A few weeks ago, someone in my country, South Korea, offered me a job for the summer as a private tutor. The woman wants me to teach English to elementary and middle school students. The amount of money she offered shocked me. It was more than the average Korean worker's salary and I am just graduating high school.
The ability to speak a second language brings a lot of advantages. More job opportunities and higher wages are only small part of them. It gives a person a chance to learn their native language again. Unlike one's native language, foreign language requires people to actually learn and study. Therefore, their language skills, especially grammar, improve. After learning a second language, people never look at words the same way again.
Eva Van Assche, a bilingual psychologist at the University of Ghent in Belgium found that when a person is reading in his native language, there is an influence of knowledge of the non-dominant second language. She said, "Becoming a bilingual changes one of people's most automatic skills."
Research has shown that children who know two languages can more quickly solve problems that involve misleading cues. Scientists also found that children who know two languages have a more flexible brains, which makes them better at multitasking. As they grow up, their brains show better "executive control," a system key to higher functioning, which is the most important part of one's mind.
Westminster Christian School offers Spanish class. This is because it is one of the most beneficial languages to learn. Economically speaking, Spanish speakers are a gigantic and rapidly growing market, especially for people who live and do business the United States. Knowing Spanish will make you attractive to employers, as they often pay a premium wage for bilingual employees. Knowledge of the Spanish language will allow one to travel and open them up to a new culture, literature, movies and other arts.
Language reflects culture. Therefore, knowing other languages introduces new culture and makes that person have a wide view of the world. It is easier for them to see the other side of an event and be tolerant. Moreover, speaking two languages lets one learn his third language much easier and faster since he already knows how to learn a language.
Knowing another language makes you much more valuable in the workplace. Also, you look smarter when you speak other languages. Therefore, please concentrate during Senora's class and appreciate her efforts.
By Yoha Lee
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Harry Potter star returns to the stage
Most actors go into Hollywood looking for fame and fortune. However, it is dreaded by many actors to get the big part that defines their career, making it almost impossible for them to ever get any other serious work.
Examples of this would be characters from popular trilogies, like Elijah Wood after he played Frodo from the largely popular trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings." Once this happens it is hard for the actor to get people to take them seriously out of that one role.
Another example would be Daniel Radcliffe for his performance as Harry Potter. However, he is currently trying to make a name for himself outside of the "Harry Potter" series. He has decided to broaden his horizons and has once again moved from the screen to the stage.
This is a remarkably respectable thing for him to do. It shows that he doesn't want to only be known as that guy who played Harry Potter. Of course it will be impossible for him to completely shake off this association, but at least he is trying to make a name for himself outside that performance. This is especially respectable of him to do because it is definitely not about the money for him anymore because he is very safe financially, after the Harry Potter films became so explosively popular.
Before now the last time Radcliffe went on stage was for his role in the play Equius in 2008. Because of the full nudity in that play, he received a lot more attention for that aspect than for his performance. The title of his new play is "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." And according to many reviewers Radcliffe has adapted the song and dance routine very well and helps the play move along.
By Ben Stevenson
Examples of this would be characters from popular trilogies, like Elijah Wood after he played Frodo from the largely popular trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings." Once this happens it is hard for the actor to get people to take them seriously out of that one role.
Another example would be Daniel Radcliffe for his performance as Harry Potter. However, he is currently trying to make a name for himself outside of the "Harry Potter" series. He has decided to broaden his horizons and has once again moved from the screen to the stage.
This is a remarkably respectable thing for him to do. It shows that he doesn't want to only be known as that guy who played Harry Potter. Of course it will be impossible for him to completely shake off this association, but at least he is trying to make a name for himself outside that performance. This is especially respectable of him to do because it is definitely not about the money for him anymore because he is very safe financially, after the Harry Potter films became so explosively popular.
Before now the last time Radcliffe went on stage was for his role in the play Equius in 2008. Because of the full nudity in that play, he received a lot more attention for that aspect than for his performance. The title of his new play is "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." And according to many reviewers Radcliffe has adapted the song and dance routine very well and helps the play move along.
By Ben Stevenson
Groundbreaking Discoveries found for Air France 447 Mystery
[A picture of the Air France flight landing gear, which was released by the Investigation and Analysis Bureau in Le Bourget, northern Paris
Groundbreaking Discoveries found for Air France 447 Mystery
Ellie Fink
In 2009 Air France Flight 447 crashed on its way from Rio to Paris Atlantic . The exact cause of the horrific accident has yet to be discovered. It has been suggested, however, that the accident may have been a result of possible icing up of the aircraft’s speed sensors. The sensors seemed to give an inconsistent reading before communication was lost.
Parts of the wreckage were recently found in the Atlantic . This latest search is the fourth since the crash. The search is performed through the use of a salvage vessel equipped with unmanned submarines. An initial underwater search found parts of wreckage and bodies.
"We have more than just traces, we have bodies... Identification is possible," Environment Minister Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet told France Inter radio.
After recent studies of the debris, it is believed that passengers had little warning of the crash. Life vests were still in their packages and the aircraft had not lost cabin pressure. The investigation believes the aircraft hit the sea belly-down and in one piece.
The discovered wreckage of the Air France aircraft has raised potential of finding the aircraft’s flight records or black boxes.
In regards to the newly arisen possibility, Air France-KLM chief executive Pierre-Henri Gourgeon said “This is very good news because it brings with it the hope that at last we will get some information on what caused this accident, which to this day remains unexplained.”
By Ellie Fink
An adopted child's view
Adoption is an amazing thing; it allows a child to grow up with a family that chose them. I am lucky enough to be able to say that I am an example of this.
I was adopted at birth. My birth mom had to give me up because she was 19 years old and knew that she would not be able to take care of me. My adoptive mom told me that I was in the hospital for three days with my birth mom because I had been born by a c-section.
My adoptive mom visited and on one of these visits she asked my birth mother, “How could you give up something so precious?”
My birth mom said that was exactly why she could give me up, because I was too precious to raise on welfare. Every time I think about this it brings tears to my eyes. The fact that my birth mother could make the decision to give me up so that I could have a better life is so amazing to me. I want to find her some day and let her know what I was able to become because of her decision.
I have grown up knowing that I was adopted and I am proud of the fact that I am. I have had many good conversations with my mom about it and just knowing that I was chosen to be a part of the family I’m in makes me feel so special. Adoption is truly a wonderful thing and I am proud to say that I am adopted.
By: Claire Kuda
I was adopted at birth. My birth mom had to give me up because she was 19 years old and knew that she would not be able to take care of me. My adoptive mom told me that I was in the hospital for three days with my birth mom because I had been born by a c-section.
My adoptive mom visited and on one of these visits she asked my birth mother, “How could you give up something so precious?”
My birth mom said that was exactly why she could give me up, because I was too precious to raise on welfare. Every time I think about this it brings tears to my eyes. The fact that my birth mother could make the decision to give me up so that I could have a better life is so amazing to me. I want to find her some day and let her know what I was able to become because of her decision.
I have grown up knowing that I was adopted and I am proud of the fact that I am. I have had many good conversations with my mom about it and just knowing that I was chosen to be a part of the family I’m in makes me feel so special. Adoption is truly a wonderful thing and I am proud to say that I am adopted.
By: Claire Kuda
AT&T buys T-Mobile
Experts believe that the acquisition may lead to a chain reaction of other consolidations in the U.S.
AT&T and Verizon are without a doubt the two dominative forces in the industry. T-Mobile and Sprint were formally the companies who kept the balance amongst competition. But with T-Mobile now under the control of AT&T, the fate of third-wheel Sprint appears bleak.
On the flip side, AT&T made a point to mention the benefits for their customers including more cell towers and the wireless spectrum the deal will bring. The advantages may even include 30 percent added capacity in some areas.
Perhaps everything can be summed up in the tweet sent out by Bob Stephenson, "So AT&T and T-Mobile are getting married. You're all invited. But there will be no reception afterwards."
By Ellie Fink
WCS Nerd Herd Makes it to State!...Again!
This past weekend the WCS Nerd Herd made the trip down to Rock Valley College to participate in the Regional Illinois Science Olympiad competition. As the sun rose over the horizon, spirits either sank or soared.
Upon arrival, the excitement and thrill of competition drowned out the anxiety felt by most competitors. Westminster would compete in 23 events that day, with each teammate taking on anywhere from 2 to 7 events. The air was clear and the sun was shining as each contestant hustled to his or her next event. By midday, the Nerd Herd was feeling positive, with many events being completed, and completed with a feeling of success. A few did not feel this way, such as the participants in the Forensics event. This test proved to be much more difficult than expected, but they tried to their best and maintained a positive attitude. The next event in line for me was Helicopters, in which the Nerd Herd brought home a solid third place. Students Brian Pohlmeier and Greg Benson received first place for their event Robot Ramble for which they had to build a robot capable of completing many different tasks in a limited timeframe.
At the award ceremony at the end of the day, each contestant waited anxiously to hear Westminster’s name called for their events. People were cheering and hearts were pounding as the announcer named the schools that would be moving on to state. Only six schools out of 14 would be advancing to the next stage. As the crowd held its breath, the winners were announced…Sixth…Fifth…Fourth…Third…and then the moment came – “In second place – Westminster Christian!” Our whole team roared as we raced to the stage to receive our giant, glistening trophy. It was truly an inspiring experience, and one which we will all treasure.
Yet this moment of glory was not our finest, nor that of which we are the most proud. What satisfied us the most was winning the Spirit Award – the prize awarded to the team with the greatest team spirit and sportsmanship. We hoped that through our conduct and teamwork people might truly see the big “C” in WCS. This award was what we had hoped for most going into the competition, and every one of us was thrilled when we walked away with both trophies in pocket. Now the Nerd Herd prepares to compete again – this time at the state level this April 16th. Pray for the students and the coaches as they seek to fine-tune all that they have worked so hard on!
By: Anne Lehan
Upon arrival, the excitement and thrill of competition drowned out the anxiety felt by most competitors. Westminster would compete in 23 events that day, with each teammate taking on anywhere from 2 to 7 events. The air was clear and the sun was shining as each contestant hustled to his or her next event. By midday, the Nerd Herd was feeling positive, with many events being completed, and completed with a feeling of success. A few did not feel this way, such as the participants in the Forensics event. This test proved to be much more difficult than expected, but they tried to their best and maintained a positive attitude. The next event in line for me was Helicopters, in which the Nerd Herd brought home a solid third place. Students Brian Pohlmeier and Greg Benson received first place for their event Robot Ramble for which they had to build a robot capable of completing many different tasks in a limited timeframe.
At the award ceremony at the end of the day, each contestant waited anxiously to hear Westminster’s name called for their events. People were cheering and hearts were pounding as the announcer named the schools that would be moving on to state. Only six schools out of 14 would be advancing to the next stage. As the crowd held its breath, the winners were announced…Sixth…Fifth…Fourth…Third…and then the moment came – “In second place – Westminster Christian!” Our whole team roared as we raced to the stage to receive our giant, glistening trophy. It was truly an inspiring experience, and one which we will all treasure.
Yet this moment of glory was not our finest, nor that of which we are the most proud. What satisfied us the most was winning the Spirit Award – the prize awarded to the team with the greatest team spirit and sportsmanship. We hoped that through our conduct and teamwork people might truly see the big “C” in WCS. This award was what we had hoped for most going into the competition, and every one of us was thrilled when we walked away with both trophies in pocket. Now the Nerd Herd prepares to compete again – this time at the state level this April 16th. Pray for the students and the coaches as they seek to fine-tune all that they have worked so hard on!
By: Anne Lehan
Monday, April 4, 2011
Muammar Gaddafi: an unnoticed dictator
Muammar Gaddafi has been in power in Libya for many years. His leadership position can be compared to that of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, or Kim Jong Il in North Korea.
However it has only been recently that people have started to notice the terrible things that he has been doing to his people. It wasn't until the people of Libya stood up on their own and brought attention to the corruption that plagued their country. To this we should ask ourselves, why did we involve ourselves in Iraq? If we claim that it was for the good of the people of Iraq, then why did it take us so long to notice Libya?
At least now the U.N. is stepping in and starting to hold Gaddafi accountable for the terrible things he has done. Late is better than never even in this situation. Even though it only took several days of Gaddafi bombing his own people to convince the world to get involved. Maybe if we purchased more oil from Libya they would have gotten help a little faster. This may sound terrible, and in a perfect world we would think that it wouldn't matter about whether or not persecution in some part of the world would directly affect us before we jump in and help but sadly enough we do not live in a perfect world and that is inevitably one of the main questions that is asked before getting involved in any problems around the world.
By Ben Stevenson
However it has only been recently that people have started to notice the terrible things that he has been doing to his people. It wasn't until the people of Libya stood up on their own and brought attention to the corruption that plagued their country. To this we should ask ourselves, why did we involve ourselves in Iraq? If we claim that it was for the good of the people of Iraq, then why did it take us so long to notice Libya?
At least now the U.N. is stepping in and starting to hold Gaddafi accountable for the terrible things he has done. Late is better than never even in this situation. Even though it only took several days of Gaddafi bombing his own people to convince the world to get involved. Maybe if we purchased more oil from Libya they would have gotten help a little faster. This may sound terrible, and in a perfect world we would think that it wouldn't matter about whether or not persecution in some part of the world would directly affect us before we jump in and help but sadly enough we do not live in a perfect world and that is inevitably one of the main questions that is asked before getting involved in any problems around the world.
By Ben Stevenson
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