It's Never too Late to Study English

Studying English was my New Year’s resolution in 2014. I came across a post that a group was gathering beginner members for an English study. Studying English is always my resolution at the beginning of the year that’s why the post caught my attention, but I wasn’t sure I could do it. I didn't like English when I was in high school, and I didn’t have time to develop my English as I avoided interacting with foreigners as a university student. Not to mention, I was required to submit my English score at work even though my job didn’t require English. I hated it when my colleagues with higher English scores advanced ahead of me. I hated that Korean work culture preferred English speakers, regardless of how well they actually performed their tasks. I felt it was unfair, and I wanted to show that I could do anything without English. To my surprise I felt the need to study English after I quit that company and became a mother of two sons, so I thought deeply about it and decided to join them at the youthful age of 42.

“Isn't it too late to start?” was what I heard from people around me. My husband told me, “You might as well exercise instead of studying English.” My children said, “Are you studying for us? You don't have to.” But I started regardless of their opinion. I wanted to know what was wrong with me. Had I not prepared well enough as a student? Or did I truly have no language skill? Looking back, it was the perfect time to start studying. I have been studying English since then, and have met a few teachers to try to figure out various ways to study. Studying English has given me many opportunities to meet new people, to share my life story, and a joy I didn’t think was possible.

The first study group members I met were the same level as me (super beginner), and the class was led by an American teacher at a café. We hit it off and had a blast. They helped me, who lacked parenting and neighborhood information after leaving my job. We were together for one year and went our separate ways. Apart from participating together in the English class, we became very close friends and we still have regular meetings once a month. Three of them wanted to continue to study, so we joined English Round Table in the fall of 2015. I liked the cozy space. It was better than a noisy café. This class had members who worked or were working in various fields, trendy articles that brought wisdom, and various programs that influenced me. Not to mention a kind teacher, John. I have met beautiful friends here. We are all able to grow together, overcome our slumps, and encourage one another. We have a lot in common and our class is always harmonious.

Most of my friends say that we are too busy and our memory slows down with age. I think adults can continue to develop if they are as dedicated as younger students. But we make excuses that we are always busy as workers, mothers, and daughters. I can make time to study when I cut down trivial meetings and manage my time well. I try to make it a habit to study English most days. My favorite way to study is to wake up and listen to a podcast. I sit quietly for a while and soak up my me-time. There are tons of English teachers and smartphone apps. Most content is free. If I had not studied English, I would not have known these things. When I use the various apps, I feel like I’m keeping up with the trendy world. When someone asks me, "What's your hobby?" I answer confidently, "My hobby is studying English." Most people respond with how can studying English be a hobby, but I know that learning can be a healthy hobby as we get older.

I am so happy to study English without the stress of preparing for an exam. Na Deok-ryul, professor of neurology at Samsung Hospital, stressed that SWAP (Speaking, Writing, Active discussion, and Presentation) is important to prevent dementia, and English class is the perfect platform for S.W.A.P.. Studying English has given me a new perspective and has allowed me to think more. Organizing and presenting my thoughts in English has given me a sense of accomplishment, energy, excitement. I strongly encourage my friends to study English together as we grow older. I like this quote “Life is never too late.” I have a long way to go with my English, but I feel like I am growing up.