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Vital words for understanding
thought – a moment of reflection or idea that comes to your mind
melting – feeling physically or mentally exhausted (especially in hot weather)
fireworks – something dramatic or exciting; here used metaphorically for big, visible success
believe – to trust or feel sure that something is true or possible
(to) prove someone wrong – to show by actions or results that someone’s doubts or negative thoughts were not true
tough – emotionally or mentally difficult; a hard period in life
admirable – deserving respect or praise
argue – to disagree or push back with words (here, I didn’t argue means I didn’t try to convince)
effort – the energy or work you put into doing something
doubt creeps in – slowly starting to feel unsure or uncertain
shame – the uncomfortable feeling of embarrassment or guilt
pointless – without purpose or meaning; feeling like something has no result
miracle – something unexpectedly amazing or hard to believe (used figuratively for surprising progress)
engine – the motor that makes a vehicle (like a boat or car) move
stuck – not able to move or get out of a situation
flawless – perfect, without mistakes
proof – clear evidence or confirmation that something is true
reminding – helping someone remember or realise something they forgot or didn’t notice
I hadn’t planned to write this. I thought I’d skip this week – it’s been hot and cold; my brain has been melting and freezing; and I’ve been working on my DELTA: writing, preparing, reflecting and rethinking everything I do in class.
But then… two stories happened. Or better — two stories came back to me.
And I couldn’t keep them to myself.
They’re not dramatic. No fireworks. No certificates or official wins. Just two moments from real learners — two people I’m lucky to teach — that made me pause.
He almost stopped believing. Then life proved him wrong.
He’s shy. Quiet. He’s been through a tough year. The kind of year that leaves you unsure of everything — including yourself. But through it all, he kept coming to sessions. Every week. Twice a week. Showing up with notes, with questions, sometimes tired, sometimes uncertain — but always present. And that alone? Already admirable.
He said to me: I’m not sure about my English. I don’t see progress. Maybe I’m wasting time.
I didn’t argue. Just listened. Because I get it. English can feel invisible sometimes. The effort, the homework, the sessions — it all adds up in silence. And when there’s no test, no score, no finish line — doubt creeps in. But then… summer happened. He went on a family holiday.
And everything changed.
He was the one in charge. Kids depending on him. The only adult who could speak some English. Booking things, asking for help, navigating allergy issues. He had to explain gluten-free needs, ask detailed questions, respond quickly — and he did. No freezing. No shame. No panic. He talked. Naturally. In English.
This week, he told me: I was surprised by myself. I didn’t even feel nervous. It just… worked.
What he didn’t realise: it worked because of all those ‘invisible’ hours he spent speaking, learning, building confidence. The value of showing up twice a week, even when it feels pointless — well, now he knows. It wasn’t a miracle. It was months of tiny efforts, showing up even when he didn’t feel like it. It was earned fluency.
That’s what language is for. Not perfection. Use.
She stayed calm when it mattered most.
Another learner, a grandmother with a soft voice and a sharp mind, has been gently pushing herself to speak more fluently — mostly to enjoy her travels and feel prepared. One session at a time, she’s been building her confidence.
She was at sea with her grandchildren when the engine suddenly stopped. Middle of the water. Stuck.
And in that moment — she didn’t panic. She called for help. In English. Explained the issue. Described their location. Answered questions calmly. Got help.
It was a stressful situation, but language wasn’t the barrier. It was the bridge. She didn’t tell me this story as a big deal — but it was.
Because real-life English isn’t about flawless grammar. It’s about staying calm when you need to. It’s about knowing your words are enough.
And she was more than enough.
These aren’t just ‘success stories.’ They’re proof.
- Proof that quiet progress is still progress.
- Proof that sessions matter, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
- Proof that the skills you’re building now might save you later — from panic, from silence, from giving up.
And to both of these clients — if you’re reading this (and I know you are) — I want to say thank you. For sharing, for showing up, and for reminding me why I do what I do.
And to the rest of you reading:
→ You may not feel fluent. But what if you’re already ready for more than you think?
Your English is working even when it’s quiet.
Especially then.