Okay, here I am at Penn State University, my alma mater. This is where I went to college, or university. And in fact, this is where I lived. I moved in here 29 years ago, 1979, in Ewing Hall. I lived in this dormitory for three years, up on the second floor.
This whole deal about coming here, and being at my old dormitory from 29 years ago, is actually very weird. I don’t have, uh, very strong feelings about this place, about Penn State, or my old dormitory—because I actually have, uh, good memories, and I have bad memories.
And so what does that mean? Um, well first of all, let me tell you why I’m here. I’m here because I’m helping my brother bring my nephew back home. He is a student here at Penn State University. So, I came up for a visit—I’m all the way from Taipei—I’m in State College, Pennsylvania, here in the beginning of May.
But I wanted to mention to you the significance of not putting too much importance on whatever happens at your university. Because even though I had some really difficult times here, it doesn’t mean anything now. I had some really good times here—doesn’t mean anything now.
So, apply that to your day today. If things go really poorly, if things don’t go your way, if you lose a relationship, somebody tells you they don’t love you anymore, you lose a job—don’t go out and kill yourself because of it. You’ll survive.
I actually fell in love with a girl in this next dormitory over here—the girl’s dormitory, Cross Hall—and she broke up with me after six months; I was depressed for three years. I survived—I’m very happy today.
So, whatever happens in you university experience, or even in your job today, don’t make much of it. Okay.
In a short period of time, you’ll survive, you’ll make it past, don’t do anything stupid. Okay. So, I actually can’t wait to leave this place. I—I don’t even want to be here.
Key Words
Alma mater—n, the college or university you attended, graduated from.
Dormitory—n, building that students live in.
Significance—n, meaning or value of something.
Broke up—v.ph, to end a relationship with someone.
Depressed—adj, sad, gloomy, dejected.
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6 comments:
Great point!
Lots of people in my circle dream about the university life in America, but it may not be so important after all.
Things that will last are things important in God's eyes.
Thanks for the comment, Maria! We just need to keep things in perspective when they happen. Take care!
Bill
Hey Bill , I appreciate your program so much.And I know you've been to Shanghai.Which places are you going to?Is this visit leave you a good impression of Shanghai?How long have you stayed for?Just tell me the truth because I want to how you think.
Hey, I just found this great place for my English learing. Thanks, Bill, for all the work you have done for the readers of Advanced English.
Hi Anonymous,
I like Shanghai--it's very exciting, busy and interesting. The mix of architecture is fascinating--there is the new architecture, as we see in all the skyscrapers. And then there is the old architecture, as we see along The Bund, and in places such as the French Concession, and the Jade Garden--which I love the tradition.
This year, maybe I will go to Cambodia and Laos--I've never been there before, so that's a good reason to go. Take care!
Bill
Hi Zora,
thanks for your kind words. It's a double-bonus for me---I totally enjoy my job, and our listeners do get a great benefit from the program.
Life does not get much better than that, Zora.
Bill
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