Jennifer_CP1

Today was my first conversation partner meeting! I went to Tea Time and met my two conversation partners, Yi-jhen and Joyce. They are both from the capital city of Taiwan and are here studying English for college. However, they did not know each other before we all met at Tea Time! In fact, Yi-jhen actually just moved here last week, while Joyce is moving to Pensacola at the end of the month! I told them about my major, how I’m in the TEFL program, and other students I am tutoring. I also showed them pictures of my life in Sarasota and Tallahassee.  Joyce has actually been to my hometown, Sarasota, FL, as her last conversation partner was from there! They were both very energetic and excited by the idea of having a conversation partner. We talked about various things, such as the CIES program and their family. They also asked me if I played any sports, since I am very tall. I stated I did not play any sports but I could see why they thought that since I am 5’11. I am very tall for a girl, especially compared to an Asian! I asked them if they were going to the CIES Fourth of July event tomorrow, and they said yes. They then proceeded to ask me what exactly Fourth of July was and how you celebrate it. I had never thought about it, and it was pretty funny for me trying to explain why Americans eat a whole bunch of hamburgers and hotdogs and shoot rockets in the sky one day a year! I asked them about what kind of things they wanted to do while here, and explained how I have a car if they ever needed a ride to and from our conversation partner meeting. I suggested fun activities like getting coffee, going to the movies, or going to a local park. We all agreed on seeing a movie next Wednesday together, which will be very good listening comprehension, and it will be a good conversation starter after the movie! Overall I’m very eager to get to know Yi-jhen and Joyce. They seem like very upbeat and friendly people!