Seizing the Moment: A Cultural Exchange to Remember
Today, I had the pleasure of attending a cultural presentation at the South Campus of our university. It was an exciting event that brought together students from China and Australia, who were visiting as part of a short-term exchange program. The atmosphere was lively, and the talent show was both entertaining and heartwarming. Performances ranged from music and dance to humorous skits, all highlighting the beauty of cultural diversity and collaboration.
One thing that truly stood out to me was the host of the event. To my surprise, it was an old friend of mine! She recently won a university speech contest about two months ago, and I couldn't help but wonder if that achievement had anything to do with her role today. When I spoke with her after the show, she smiled and said, “Yes, winning the contest definitely opened some doors for me.”
It was clear to see how that one success had boosted her visibility on campus. She's not just a familiar face now—she's becoming a role model. Hosting today's event is just one of the many opportunities she’s been offered since her speech contest victory.
Why am I sharing this? Because her story is a perfect example of how effort and initiative can create amazing opportunities. Success doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when preparation meets opportunity. And when you say “yes” to those opportunities, more tend to follow.
I wouldn’t be surprised if I see her involved in even more projects in the near future. And if she’s smart (which I know she is),she’ll document these experiences—like today’s event—as part of a growing portfolio. These experiences will set her apart in the job market, showing future employers that she’s not only skilled in English but also active, engaged, and confident in real-world settings.
To all students reading this: don’t sit on the sidelines. Participate! Whether it’s a speech contest, a cultural event, a workshop, or a student club, each experience helps you grow. You never know which opportunity will be the one that launches your next big adventure.
So get involved, challenge yourself, and say “yes” more often. Your future self will thank you.
🎓 Life After College: Reality Check or Comedy Special? Let’s Talk About It! 🎙️
Hey everyone! Today’s lesson was not your usual grammar drills or textbook shuffle. We dove into a brutally honest (and absolutely hilarious) topic: Life After College. 😱🎧 Yes, I played a sound clip for my students that hit hard and real, and honestly? I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I've been talking about these topics for years—make the most of your university years, don’t waste time, dating etc... sound familiar? Well, the guys in this audio clip delivered the message with a punch of humor and a big dose of reality. So buckle up, students—this one’s for you!
INSTEAD OF READING THE TEXT BELOW, YOU CAN WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE…
Text of the sound clip “Life after college”:
“What’s up, guys? Hope you’re doing well. So today I’m going to be talking about what happens after college. A lot of my friends they always say: “Oh, I can’t wait to graduate.” “Man, I can’t wait to get out of here.” “I just can’t wait to start my life.” You need to sit down. You need to take a seat, ‘cause you have no idea what you’re wishing for.
This video is a warning. It is a warning that I wish someone would’ve told me when I was in college, ‘cause nobody told me! Maybe you just graduated from college, maybe you’re in college now, maybe you didn’t even go to college. Regardless, we can all benefit from what I’m about to tell you.
So you just graduated. You walked the stage. Your family was there. They were cheering all loud for you. Maybe your uncle even brought one of those bullhorns that wasn’t allowed. But since then, the hype has calmed down and you’re met with the first realization after college: you don’t have a job. Now unless you’re an engineering major or a science major, you’re probably not going to get a job offer right out of college. I want all of you to do something right now. Name the first restaurant that comes to your mind. You have a better chance of working there than you do getting any type of job related to your major. The chance of you getting a job related to your major is the same chance of you being selected as tribute for the Hunger Games. Either way it’s kind of a lose-lose if you think about it. All of this doesn’t matter, because you know what? You need money. And so you take whatever job you can find, because honestly, the rent’s not going to pay itself, bringing me to my next point.
After college, you have a choice to make: Am I going to move back in with my parents? Or, am I going to waste money monthly by spending money on an apartment that barely accommodates? If you move back in with your parents, you may lose all freedom that you previously had. They might treat you like a kid again. You’ll probably have to start doing chores again. That’s not a good look with the ladies. If you own your own place, you’ll have your own freedom—to buy ramen noodles every day—’cause that’s all you’ll be eating ‘cause you’ll be broke as a joke. Also, not a good look with the ladies.
And since we’re talking about ladies, let’s expound upon relationships after college. You may think to yourself “Oh, I’ll have more time. I’ll be able to go out.” False! Here’s the reality of the situation: dating options decrease dramatically after college. If you don’t happen to get a job at the aforementioned restaurant of your choice, there’s a good chance you’ll be the youngest person in the company that you’re at. These other people at your job won’t understand you or your lifestyle, they won’t be attractive, but they will have children. And they will talk to you about their children, who, you care nothing about.
Now I know what you’re thinking: “I’ll just meet people when I go out. I’ll just meet people when I go to the gym.” False. You don’t have time to go to the bar. You don’t have time to go workout. You’re so tired after work, all you want to do is go home, eat dinner, and go to sleep. You have to be at work early. There’s traffic in the morning. Traffic! And you want to go downtown on a weekday? Are you stupid? Are you dumb? So you don’t go out as much, so you don’t meet anyone. You don’t go to the gym as much, so you start gaining a little bit of weight, or a lot of bit of weight, all while working at some job that you could care less about.
To make things even worse, now you have to pay back your student loans, ‘cause you’re not a student anymore. In addition to this, you have to deal with dumb college students making Facebook statuses about how miserable their life is ’cause they have to study for a biology test. But by far, the worst thing that happens after graduation is you realize that your parents were right. Your parents have probably already told you everything that I’ve said in this video. It’s just the fact that they’re your parents that you didn’t listen to them, because college is the best years of your life.
Now it may seem like I’m painting a very pessimistic view of what happens after college, but honestly, this is what has happened or is happening to a majority of people. You get a job that you hate, you get fat, and next thing you know you’re forty years old wondering, “What the heck happened with my life?” But there is a way out of this and only one way for those of you who do heed my warning. The only way to get out of this, the ONLY way to get out of this, is to turn your passion into your career. I’ll say it one more time. Turn your passion into your career. Don’t turn your passion into your job, turn your passion into your career, and then you’ll never work a day in your life. I mean it’s either that or start making YouTube videos, otherwise what happens after college will happen to you. This is a warning. Don’t graduate early.
I mean, what do you guys think? Do you think I’m being too harsh? False. Or do you guys think I’m being too real? Leave a comment down below. I respond to all comments on my website. Subscribe if you’re new and don’t forget: Press the like button. New videos every Sunday. No Jugamos Juegos. Throw me the alley.”
💡 The Big Message: Turn Passion into Career
Now don’t panic! The clip isn’t all doom and gloom. It ends on an empowering note: ✨ Turn your passion into your career. Not just a job. Not a side hustle. A career you love so much, it doesn’t even feel like work.
The speaker reminds us not to rush through college, but to savor it, use the time wisely, and build something meaningful before that graduation cap hits the floor. 🎓🔥
This lesson spoke straight to my soul. I’ve written about this many times—how university life is one of the best opportunities you’ll ever have to grow, explore, make connections, and prepare for a future you’ll actually enjoy.
Don’t be that person who wakes up at 40 asking, “What happened to my life?” Be intentionalnow, while you’ve got the time, freedom, and energy!
📝 Ready to test your comprehension?
Here are a few True or Falsequestions to reflect on the clip (and maybe laugh a bit too):
1) Most college graduates immediately get jobs related to their major.
2) Living with your parents after college means gaining more freedom.
4) After college, you’ll have plenty of time to party and hit the gym.
5) Student loans don’t need to be paid once you graduate.
6) People at your job will totally understand your vibe and lifestyle.
7) Turning your passion into a career is the only real way to escape the trap.
8) The speaker encourages people to graduate as early as possible.
9) College is actually one of the easiest places to make friends.
10) Your parents might have been right all along (ouch!).
🎤 Final Thoughts
Was this clip too harsh? Or just way too real? I want to know what you think. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s start a real conversation. And remember—university life is short, but its impact can last forever. Make it count. 💥
How to Get a Girlfriend: Try the Photographer Trick 📸🌹
Okay, so here’s another spicy take on how to maybe—just maybe—get yourself a girlfriend.
Let’s be real for a second. Marriage rates are plummeting all over the world. And honestly? I get it. As someone who’s been down the aisle before, I’ve got my fair share of battle scars. Would I do it again? Sure... if I meet the right person. But I’ll admit, the idea still gives me a little PTSD. 😅
Now here’s the thing: I keep bumping into students who’ve already slammed the door on love, romance, and anything remotely resembling effort. They're not even trying! And that, my friends, is the biggest regret waiting to happen. It’s far better to try and fail than to spend years wondering, what if?
So let me tell you what I witnessed a few weeks ago—a masterclass in subtle flirting.
At the university, there’s this magical road lined with roses that bloom once a year. Naturally, girls flock there for those dreamy, Instagram-worthy pics. It's basically the Coachella of floral photo ops. 🌹📷
Enter: One clever guy with a camera. Now, was he a pro photographer? Doubtful. But he was playing the role like a champ. He wasn’t just snapping pictures—he was fixing her hair, helping her pose, adjusting angles, gently guiding her into the perfect shot. Touching her shoulder here, tucking a strand of hair there. Smooth. Real smooth.
Was she his girlfriend? Maybe. Or maybe he was just shooting his shot—literally and figuratively. Either way, she seemed to enjoy the attention, and he got more than just good photos out of the deal.
Moral of the story? If you’re the shy type who’s always looking for the perfect excuse to start a conversation with a girl... try this. Get yourself a camera and start offering your very professional, totally-not-an-excuse photography services.
Worst case, you take some great pictures. Best case? You walk away with more than just memories. 😉
A Wild Day Behind the Lens: The Bird, the Valley, and the Perfect Shot
Today, I set out on a little adventure to test my photography skills—and I’ve got to say, not too bad! I ended up with some great shots that I turned into a short video. But wait until you hear how it all began...
The story kicks off in one of my favorite spots on campus: the South Valley. If you've never been there, you're missing out! It’s a peaceful slice of paradise, perfect for long walks and soaking in nature. But as serene as it looks, I discovered it can also be... wild.
While scouting for the perfect angle, I accidentally wandered too close to what I now believe was a bird's nest. Suddenly—whoosh!—a small but very determined bird dive-bombed me! I kid you not, it attacked me several times, like something straight out of an action movie (minus the soundtrack). I'm guessing it thought I was a threat to its nest, and honestly, it might have been right.
I didn’t back down, though. I managed to snap a photo of my feathered foe and even caught a few seconds of it flying straight at me! Word of advice: never turn your back on an angry bird—it will come for your head. Yes, it got me once. Yes, it hurt. And yes, it was totally worth it. That photo now opens my video—a battle scar turned memory.
The rest of the day was much calmer. I wandered through the South Valley, capturing flowers, tall grass, and the quiet charm of dusk. I stayed out so long, my final shots were taken just as night was falling.
Honestly, I think most students have no idea how stunning our university really is. I walk through South Valley pretty often, and it's usually just me and the birds (sometimes too close, as you’ve read). I hope this video inspires more people to explore this hidden gem on campus. Nature’s beauty is just a few steps away—you just have to be brave enough to face a tiny guardian bird to see it.
Sniffing Success: How a Flea Market Aromatherapy Project Turned Into a Fun Business Lesson. (Sort Of)
Picture this: it's a lazy Saturday morning, birds are chirping, my bed feels like heaven, and I'm deep in my REM cycle dreaming of tacos. Suddenly—ding!—a message from an old university friend shatters the peace.
"Hey! Wanna join our school project today?"
Now, did I read that message when she sent it? Of course not. I saw it one hour later while still wrapped in my blanket like a human burrito. Luckily, fate was on my side—she hadn’t left yet, and within 30 minutes, I was showered, dressed, and ready to plunge into... the mysterious world of aromatherapy.
Plot Twist (#1) : This wasn't just sniffing flowers and chanting in a circle. It was a full-blown business project in the wild terrain of a downtown flea market. Picture the scene: ancient coins, questionable antiques, jade dragons, and amidst it all, our stall selling elegant little bags filled with dried flowers that smell better than your grandma's perfume drawer.
I was hooked. I hung out at the stall, made conversation, and then wandered around the market pretending to be a treasure hunter. I even bought a bunch of old coins to impress my family back in Brazil (they'll think I’m now Indiana Jones).
The first time we did it, things went okay—some people bought our flower pouches, some just sniffed and walked away like they were judging a perfume competition. Still, I had a spark of hope: “We could totally sell more... with a few tweaks.”
So, naturally, I pitched my genius ideas to the group like a startup CEO:
FREE eBook Alert! We create a mini guide to aromatherapy (with gorgeous pictures) and slap a QR code on our table. Customers scan it, boom—instant value.
Bonus Bonanza: Buy anything from us and get two more eBooks (written by yours truly, of course) absolutely free. It's like a flower-scented book buffet!
Conversation Starter: The free eBook? Just an excuse to talk to anyone who walks by. "Hey, want a free book?" Boom—ice broken, sale incoming.
Super Bargain: Our dried flower bags were cheap enough to make your wallet smile, and the added book bonus made the deal irresistible (in theory).
We even convinced the responsible teacher for this project to let us run the stall a second time just so we could implement our master plan. I was feeling like a marketing genius.
And then... plot twist (#2): Labor Day. The market was basically a ghost town. I think I saw more pigeons than people. We sold three bags. Total. Not exactly the million-dollar day I envisioned.
But hey—was it a failure? Not at all.
We chatted with strangers (in English!),laughed with friends, and got to experience real-life business in action. Plus, we learned the most important entrepreneurial lesson of all:
Sometimes you win. Sometimes there’s a national holiday that ruins your sales. Either way—keep going.
So, dear student reader: DO the weird project. / JOIN the market stall. / SELL the dried flowers.
You’ll practice English, learn real business tricks, build confidence, and maybe—just maybe—sell some flowery magic along the way.
And if all else fails... buy some coins and call yourself a collector.
So... you need a recommendation letter. Maybe you're applying for a scholarship, a fancy internship, or even grad school. That’s great! But wait—cue dramatic music—what if your teacher doesn’t remember who you are?
“Uh-oh.”
Yep. That’s a real problem.
You see, when students ask for recommendation letters, we teachers go on a little mental journey. We ask ourselves:
“Who is this person?”
“Were they in my class?”
“Did they ever say anything during the semester besides 'Good morning, teacher' and ‘Can we finish early today?'”
If the answer is “no,” or even worse, “I have no clue who this student is,” then guess what? That letter might never get written.
Or it gets written like this:
“This student took my class. That’s all I remember. Best of luck!” 😬
💡 Why Does It Matter?
Here’s the deal: writing a recommendation letter is like vouching for someone’s future. It’s putting our name and reputation on the line. If we say you're a superstar and you turn out to be a shooting star (fast and gone),it reflects badly on us too. That’s why most responsible teachers won’t write glowing letters for students who didn’t make any effort in class.
But don’t worry—it’s not about being the smartest, or having perfect English, or sitting in the front row wearing a suit and tie. What really matters is engagement.
🧑🏫 What Teachers Remember
We remember students who:
Ask questions, even if they’re not perfect.
Show up on time and regularly.
Join discussions (even when they're shy).
Volunteer for presentations or help others.
Join campus events or clubs (like English corner).
Smile, say hello, or even just make us laugh!
Trust me, we don’t bite. We want to help. We want you to succeed. But we can’t write about your brilliance if we never saw it in action.
Let me tell you a story...
🌟 The Girl Who Wasn’t My Student
Today, I wrote a recommendation letter for a truly amazing student. But here’s the twist—she was never in any of my classes! 😮
So why did I write one for her?
Simple: I met her multiple times at our English Corner events. While some students just show up, write their name for attendance, and vanish faster than you can say “vocabulary,” she actually stayed, spoke, laughed, and practiced her English every time. I could see her passion and progress. She left a positive impression without ever being in my classroom.
That’s the magic of participation. You don’t need to be the loudest or the best—you just need to show up and make an effort. Be someone your teacher will naturally remember.
✨ How to Stand Out (In a Good Way!)
If you want to be someone your teacher feels proud to recommend, try this:
Be visible: Attend regularly. Cameras on in Zoom classes if possible. Eye contact in person.
Be vocal: Ask questions. Share ideas. Show interest.
Be curious: Join extra events, clubs, or academic activities.
Be helpful: Offer to help classmates or the teacher when you can.
Be real: A genuine “thank you” or short conversation can go a long way.
🎁 Final Thought
One day, you might need someone to say something great about you. Start building that relationship now. You don’t need to be perfect—just present, proactive, and polite.
So… do you need a recommendation letter?
If not now, maybe someday.
And when that day comes, make sure your teacher's first thought is: “Oh yes! I’d be happy to write one for that student!” ✍️💙
