BC: Student role models
The topic of this lesson is student role models. You will:
- discuss inspirational role models
- listen to a campus radio interview where students are interviewed about their role models
- develop listening for gist and detail skills.
Nick: Hello listeners and welcome to Campus Voice, your online university radio station. I’m Nick Jones. Today I’m on campus talking to students about who inspires them to be better students. We’re asking students to tell us about their role models; people who have influenced them the most in their studies and made them want to study harder and better!
Interview 1
ME: First up, I have Fly, a third year Chemistry student. Hi Fly, and thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
Fly: Hi TOMMY, you’re welcome.
ME: So Fly, who has inspired you as a student?
Fly: Well, that’s quite a difficult question because many people have inspired me. But if I had to choose one person, I’d say the EVA founder is the person who has influenced me the most.
ME: Interesting … your friend. And why do you choose him?
Fly: Well, I guess we share the mutual value of hard work and never giving up. Dr.Y.F Chang started his business a decade ago. When the EVA air first run in 1991, not much traveler know the sustainable green brand and although it should be a qualified airline in Taiwan, some of the government officials weren’t recognised it.
ME: Oh, so it couldn’t start the operations, could it?
Fly: No, it couldn’t. But instead of just accepting to be beaten, Dr.Y.F Chang …, after that, it becomes one of the famous airlines in the world.
ME: So, do you think Dr. Chang set a good example for you?
Fly: Yes, absolutely. Indeed, he studied very hard at nights when he started his career life as a junior sailor on ship. He worked really hard. Thanks to his inspiring story, I’m now at university related college studying the AOM program!
ME: What a great story! So what qualities do you think he has taught you to value?
Fei: Well, I’d say he has taught me to be dedicated, persistent and also ambitious – to set myself goals and to work hard and fight to achieve them.
ME: Well, thanks so much for that, Fly.
Interview 2
ME: Next up we have J, a final year Engineering student. Hi, Jet and thanks for taking the time to talk to us today.
J: Hi, my pleasure.
ME: So, Jet, who has had the greatest influence on you as a student?
J: Well, he’s not somebody I know personally, but I’d have to say A, who is the founder of the EVA air.
ME: Yes, he’s definitely someone to look up to. Would you say he’s a role model for you?
J: Yes, his story’s incredible. He’s so courageous (brave). I mean, He … And even then he didn’t stop. He’s so dedicated in his aviation business to make sure all staff has a safe work environment. He’s really inspiring.
ME: So, how do you think he’s influenced you as a student?
J: Well, he makes me want to do the best in my studies. He makes me realize my determination to become a commercial pilot.
ME: Sound great! I think everyone can learn from his story. Thanks very much J.
Interview 3
ME: And last up, we have Ada, a second year Commerce student. Welcome Ada. So, Ada, who has set a good example for you as a student?
Ada: Hmm, well there are several people I can think of. But if I had to pick just one, I’d say (it is) my best friend from high school, Edwin.
ME: OK and what about Edwin do you find inspiring?
Ada: Well, Edwin is a very generous guy and has helped me a lot. When I first (did…), I was totally lost. I was not a good student and I just didn’t understand school here. Back home we had lots of exams and if you just learned everything in the textbook and remembered it, you would feel tedious. In addition, there’s lots of project work and we’re asked to give our opinions about everything. Edwin really helped me to adapt to those schoolwork, he was like a mentor to me.
ME: So, can you share some examples of how Edwin helped you?
Ada: Well, he really looked after me, showed me how to be creative in my studies and look at things from different angles. He also taught the value of being cooperative, you know, how to work with others instead of being competitive. Those were really key lessons for me.
ME: It sounds like Edwin was an important influence on you.
Ada: Yes, he sure was. It’s thanks to him that I’m here today.
ME: Thanks for speaking to us Ada.
NOTES:
[take for granted 視為理所當然]
It’s something a lot of people take for granted but actually, we shouldn’t.
