Student Stories: Ning
I came to England in September 2001 following my husband. I felt I had entered a completely different world as I crossed the border and I didn't understand what people were saying at all, apart for 'yes and no'.
English was the worst subject for me when I was in China, as I'd never thought English would be very important to me and became an every day part of my life.
After three months, I started working in my sister's chip shop on the counter, as it was short staffed. Actually, I could read simple English but the listening was so difficult for me, so I had to ask the customer to write down their orders. I remember one customer couldn't write so he drew me a picture! I was so nervous that I had to face English-speaking people.
One year later, my understanding of English remained at the level of ordering food. I was determined to learn English and enrolled on an English course at Salford College. I've been studying for two and half years now. My teachers are very helpful and my classmates are friendly. I was very delighted that I passed the elementary and intermediate certificate in the first class. I'm really enjoying my course and I'm thinking of enrolling on an Access Course in Nursing in September.
Looking back at my journey of learning English, I feel my determination has paid off.
Ning Wang - ESOL Level 1.