My name is Kelly Eom, and my real name (Korean name) is Boyeong. As most of you know by now, I am an international student from Korea. When I first came to America, unlike the other international students, I didn’t have any particular problems or difficulties with living in the States. Maybe I was too young to recognize the problems. But, as I got into high school, I started to perceive those problems. I realized that I have a Korean accent and I cannot pronounce some words correctly. I felt embarrassed about them. Therefore, I was so terrified of standing in front of people and making a speech or doing a class presentation. I also began to hide myself from speaking because I was afraid that people would make fun of my accent and pronunciation. These behaviors also changed my personality from active to passive.
In college, I want a change in my life. Since I will major in business, I need to learn speaking and communication skills, which are the most essential parts of the business. I want to learn how to speak well in front of people and communicate with others. I also want to restore my active personality in college. I will try not to afraid to talk to people or present in front of them because of my flaws with speaking. For the first semester, I want to get to know a lot of people and to adapt into this new college environment.
Studies at Baruch in the past three weeks have been challenging but I am still very happy and blessed because of the amazing and kind people I met at Baruch.
My accent comes out too sometimes, Kelly! I actually like it, it distinguishes me from others. And you certainly will be able to work on your presentations skills in FRO. I look forward to hearing your part of the presentation.
Kelly, everyone has an accent of some sort! It definitely doesn’t make your ideas less valuable. You’re going to have many presentation and speaking-intensive classes at Baruch. We’re going to have an Effective Communication and Presentation Skills workshop in Freshman Seminar. I hope that will help make you more comfortable speaking in front of people.
Hi Kelly,
I think admitting your flaws is already a big step. And your determination in overcoming this fear of talking and presenting in front of others will definitely get you somewhere in the near future. I know you already mentioned this problem in communication class, and just to let you know, you have my support every time you speak in class. GO KELLY. :]