This session with Daisy was a little bit less conventional than the rest. It didn't consist of me trying to learn more about her home country or explain the concepts certain American trends or phrases. Instead Daisy needed help on planning for her English test. You see, this was not a typical English test. This was the test to end all tests.
Earlier in our meetings, we discussed the importance of learning English to Daisy's major. Last time Daisy met with her professor, the professor stated that Daisy's conducting talents were ready for the next step but her weakness in understanding spoken English was holding Daisy back. Daisy's new task was to take her advanced English comprehension test at a certified testing facility before a specific date (March 31st I believe). If Daisy scored an 80 or higher she would move one step closer to her dream of becoming a choral conductor.
This is where Daisy explained to me that she had to overcome an unexpected obstacle: transportation to these facilities. As someone who has a car and has grown up in the DFW metroplex my whole life, I didn't see much of a challenge in traveling 45 minutes to Dallas. I'd simply input the location on my phone, drive over, and take the test. This task proved to be much more complicated for Daisy: She had to coordinate with a friend to take her to Hulen Mall, call a taxi to deliver her to the destination, and finally find the actual testing center which was sandwiched in the middle of UNT's campus. The strict timeline for the events to take place (to check in with the test center by 8:00 A.M.) added even more fuel to the fire.
I opened up my laptop and used Google Maps to show daisy which routes were the closest and which would have the least traffic. This is where Daisy made an peculiar observation. Daisy's Chinese computer showed a greatly different version of Google Maps that lacked many of the features that Americans enjoy. I screen shotted maps of different routes Daisy could take and emailed them to her.
While this lunch was different from our typical conversational meet, I still got to gain further insight on the challenges Daisy faces every day. Something that would be simple for me is quite difficult for Daisy.
That sounds rough.. I hate English tests and I could not imagine taking one with English as a second language. Sounds like your partner is much further along than mine in her English studies. Its interesting to me that her English was getting in the way of her conducting skills. I guess if she is trying to become a high school conductor I understand, but I always thought music to be universal, no language can limit it.
ReplyDeleteWhen reading this, I also thought about myself trying to get from one place to another in a foreign country. I can't imagine what would occur, but I almost know for a fact if it had to be by 8am, it probably wasn't going to happen.. Daisy sounds like a driven student that is going to the ends to reach her dream. Sounds like a quality person that we need more of in the world.
I completely agree with Matt on this one. English is my worst subject and I speak it. Also I have had the "privilege" of trying to navigate a country in which I didn't have cell service and where I didn't speak the language. It is very difficult and I wouldn't recommend it. Even if your Dad assures you "he knows where he is going."
ReplyDeleteThe differences in the services surprises me because I would have thought that being in America that the google maps she was using would have been similar. It is good to know to ask the locals for the best route! Also Daisy is lucky to have your for a conversation partner!
Poor Daisy! I can't imagine being in a foreign country where the native language is not your first and having to take such an important test! I hope she was able to figure everything out. Reading this reminded me of taking the SATs in high school. Because Delaware (my home state) is so small, there were only maybe 2 testing centers within 30 minutes for each SAT date. One time I had to go to a High School I was completely unfamiliar with and freaked out the night before trying to plan the right route because-being the crazy person I am- I didn't trust just the GPS to get me there. I ended up waking up an hour earlier than I normally would've to ensure I got there on time. I was there almost 45 minutes early but I was just glad to be there at all! Thank God for Google Maps :)
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