Recommendation Letters: Why Showing Up (and Speaking Up) Matters!

recommendation letter

🎓 Recommendation Letters: Why Showing Up (and Speaking Up) Matters! 📣

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.

She was in this picture below, from a blogpost about English Corner.

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!” ✍️💙

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 10 Apr 2025

 

The Ultimate Crazy University Adventure! Camping without a tent ?

 

Camping

🔥 The Ultimate Crazy University Adventure! 🔥

Camping without a tent ?

Hey everyone! University isn’t just about getting a degree—it’s about making unforgettable memories, meeting awesome people, and doing things that will make you laugh (or question your life choices) years from now! 😆

So… who’s up for a wild night in the University Forest? 🌲🌙

Here’s the plan:
1)🎲 Play games all night
2)🗣 Improve your English skills (without realizing it)
3)🍿 Munch on snacks and drinks all night!
4)💡 Sit in the dark like legends (bring a lamp, a power bank, seriously)
5)📸 Record it all for posting at YouTube fame or YouKu (or blackmail material)

6)📅 When? Saturday night (so you can recover on Sunday - you probably don't have classes on Sunday, right?) from saturday 22:00 pm until sunday sunrise. 
7)👥 Who? 5-7 brave souls plus myself. (enough for safety, but not enough for total chaos). You don't want to be with someone alone in the dark, specially if they will accuse you and you don´t have anyone to vouch for you. That is why minimum 5 people 
8)🎒 What to bring? Snacks, drinks, a power bank, games, and anything that makes the night more fun

We’ll borrow (totally return in the morning) some chairs and a table from Building 7, set up camp in the forest, and let the madness unfold! 🤪

If you’re in for an epic, hilarious, and absolutely crazy night, message me on WeChat! Let’s make this happen! 🚀🔥

 

UPDATE (2025 march 03)

I have  talked to my assistant and supervisor, and I am sorry to say that this activity was not approved. I am sure those 7 students who where waiting below for the approval would be disappointed, and I supposed if we could do it such activity, we would never forget about it…

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 01 Apr 2025

 

How to give a GOOD speech

🚀 Want to Crush Your Next Speech? Here’s How! 🎤🏆

Last year, I shared a post breaking down the secrets of speech contests: Enhancing Speech Performance: An Analysis of Key Factors and Evaluation Criteria. It was packed with tips to help students level up their speech game.

Fast forward to this year—my friend Qin Mingyue took those tips seriously. She applied everything, practiced like a pro, and guess what? She won first place in the competition! 🥇🎉

Since I was a judge at all three rounds of the contest (and recorded everything 📹),I decided to go beyond a simple post — I created a FREE mini-course on how to deliver a winning speech! This course is packed with real examples from students who competed, plus practical techniques to improve not just your public speaking skills but also your English fluency. Because let’s be real—if you don’t speak English well, how can you expect to win?

So, if you want to:
✅ Speak confidently
✅ Improve your English
✅ Ace your next speech contest (or just impress your audience!)

🎓 Check out the course—it's 100% free and straight to the point! → Click here to see it

Don’t just take my word for it—Qin Mingyue put these strategies into action and walked away with the gold. Will you be next? 💡🎙️

 

🎤 Want to Own the Stage? This Free Course Will Show You How! 🚀🏆

Public speaking can feel like stepping into a lion’s den—but it doesn’t have to! Whether you're aiming for a speech contest victory or just want to sound more confident in English, this free mini-course will teach you how to grab attention, keep your audience engaged, and leave a lasting impression.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn:

🔥 Introduction – Let’s set the stage! Why do some speeches captivate while others fall flat? Learn the core secrets behind powerful public speaking.

👋 First Impressions – They say first impressions last forever! Find out how to hook your audience in the first few seconds and make them excited to listen to you.

💡 Making Gestures – Your hands shouldn’t just hang there! Learn how to use gestures naturally to emphasize your points and add energy to your delivery.

👀 Not Reading & Making Eye Contact – Don’t be the person staring at their notes! I’ll show you how to connect with your audience using strong eye contact while delivering your speech smoothly and naturally.

😨 Fear – Nervous? Good! It means you care. But I’ll teach you how to turn those butterflies into confidence so your fear doesn’t control you.

🗣️ Pronunciation, Accent & Clarity – Speaking English well is half the battle! You’ll learn how to improve pronunciation, refine your accent, and speak with clarity so your message is loud and clear.

👂 Listening Exercise – Being a great speaker starts with being a great listener. This fun exercise will help you train your ears and improve your communication skills effortlessly.

📖 Reading Exercise – Reading out loud isn’t just for kids! This exercise will boost your fluency, pronunciation, and confidence when speaking in front of an audience.

🚀 Ready to take your speaking skills to the next level? This free course is packed with real examples, expert techniques, and practical exercises to make sure you walk away a better speaker.

🎓 Sign up now and start speaking like a champion! → Enroll for FREE!

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 31 Mar 2025

Movie Activity - AVATAR (2009) Improve Your English by Watching Movies!

 

Movie Activity

Movie Activity - AVATAR (2009)

Improve Your English by Watching Movies! 🎬📚

Even thou just few students show up for the activity, and that feels a little awkward I did reserve such a big class for the event, the activity was very successful, it would be successful even just one student show up.  

Fof this activity we watch it Avatar (2009),it was a 3 hours movie and we enjoy it a lot, it was so fun to do it that perhaps I will do it again…

 

Learning English doesn’t have to be boring or feel like hard work—one of the most enjoyable ways to improve your skills is by watching movies! Films expose you to natural conversations, different accents, cultural expressions, and real-life situations that textbooks simply can’t capture.

When I was living in the USA, I used to go to the movie theaters every week. It was very affordable, especially with dollar movies. At first, I didn’t understand much, and it felt overwhelming. But I kept going, listening, and paying attention to the dialogue. Little by little, my comprehension improved, and I started recognizing words, phrases, and even jokes. The key is to never give up and enjoy the process. One day, all your effort will pay off, and you’ll be glad you stuck with it.

Below are some pictures from when I was living in USA and how I used to make watching movies as part of my English learning process…

If you’re learning English, try watching movies with subtitles at first, then gradually switch to English audio without them. Choose films you love so that learning feels fun. Your brain will naturally absorb new words, pronunciation, and sentence structures.

Have you ever used movies to improve your English? What’s your favorite film for learning? Let me know in WeChat if you have my contact 🎥✨

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 29 Mar 2025

JOB FAIR - Why Learning English Can Change Your Life

 

Job Fair

JOB FAIR

Why Learning English Can Change Your Life

Today, on my way back from lunch, I noticed some activity in the playground. It wasn’t as crowded as I imagine it had been in the morning, but something about it caught my attention. Curious, I walked over to see what was happening.

It turned out to be a job fair. There weren’t many students around at that moment, but what I saw next was enough to prove a very important point.

I recognized one of the company representatives, Eric, who works for a global business. He was speaking with a student I knew from the English Corner—someone I had personally encouraged to practice English because I knew he was making an effort to improve. As I listened to their conversation, I realized something incredible: Eric wasn’t just chatting—he was scouting for talent.

By the end of our discussion, Eric turned to me and asked, “Do you have more students like him? We need people who can speak English.”

Think about that for a second. This company was ready to hire someone not because of their degree, not because of their grades, but because they could communicate in English. The ability to speak English was more important than a diploma in that moment. Why? Because businesses in China—and all over the world—need people who can sell, negotiate, and communicate across borders.

This is not a rare situation. It happens all the time. Those who make even a small effort to learn English open doors to opportunities that others never will.

So ask yourself: Are you ready for when an opportunity like this comes your way? Or will you let it slip by because you didn’t take English seriously?

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 15 Mar 2025

Lab safety

The Importance of Lab Safety Rules: A Guide for Students

As a university teacher, I always emphasize the importance of safety in the classroom and laboratory. Whether you are conducting experiments in a science lab, working with electronic equipment, or using specialized software, following safety protocols ensures a secure learning environment for everyone. Recently, I was asked to sign a document in Chinese regarding laboratory safety. Although I do not speak Chinese, I recognize that these guidelines are essential for protecting students, staff, and equipment. In this post, I will highlight key points from the document and explain why they matter.

Why Lab Safety Matters

Laboratories contain valuable equipment and materials that must be handled with care. Safety protocols help prevent accidents, protect individuals, and ensure that learning can continue without disruption. Ignoring these rules can lead to injuries, equipment damage, or even major disruptions to academic activities.

Key Safety Rules from the Document

The document I was asked to sign outlines various safety responsibilities for students and teachers. Here are some key points:

Safety Responsibility System

The laboratory follows a structured safety management system where supervisors, lab managers, and instructors all play a role in ensuring safety.

Strict Adherence to Lab Regulations

Every person entering the lab must follow all rules and regulations. The lab is managed by specific personnel responsible for its maintenance and security.

Safety Education Before Experiments

Before conducting any lab work, both teachers and students must undergo safety training to prevent accidents. - in our case we just use the computer to watch and listen material, so not much training is required here

Teachers’ Responsibility for Student Safety

Instructors must educate students on safety protocols and ensure they follow proper procedures during experiments. One protocol we will start using from now on is no food or drink in the computer lab, can you imagine what will happen if you spill drink on the computer ??

Proper Use of Equipment

Before starting an experiment, instructors must check and verify all equipment. Any issues must be recorded and reported. - If you choose a computer that is working and by the end of the class it had stop working - please report that.

Electrical Safety

Teachers are responsible for turning on and off equipment before and after class. Students must not unplug or tamper with electrical components.

Fire Safety and Emergency Equipment

It is strictly forbidden to move or damage fire extinguishers and other safety equipment. Lab managers have the right to deny access to anyone who does not follow safety procedures.

Proper Use of Personal Computers and Network Equipment

Students are not allowed to use personal laptops or unauthorized network connections in the lab. If this rule is violated and results in damage, the instructor will be held accountable. - in our case , please don't try plug any personal device to school device. KEEP THEM SEPARATED.

Waste Disposal Management

Used materials should not be disposed of carelessly. They must be sorted and disposed of properly to maintain cleanliness and safety.

Emergency Response

In case of an emergency, lab administrators and teachers must work together to implement the emergency response plan and minimize damage or injury.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and following lab safety rules is crucial for a productive and accident-free learning environment. As students, you have a responsibility to respect these guidelines and take safety seriously. If you have any questions about lab procedures, always ask your instructor or lab supervisor. Let’s work together to create a safe and efficient educational space!

Those pictures above are good example of such rules to be followed in laboratory - thank you for your cooperation.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 12 Mar 2025

 

The Effort You Put in Determines the English You Get Out

 

Video activity

The Effort You Put in Determines the English You Get Out

Some students think, "This class is too easy. I don’t even need to do the homework or assignments to pass." And at first glance, they might be right. My grading system rewards effort—you get points for simply attempting the homework, even if your answers aren’t perfect. I do this because I want to encourage participation and practice, the two most important aspects of learning a language.

But here’s the problem: Some students take this as a free pass to do nothing. They assume that since the exams aren’t extremely difficult, they’ll pass without putting in real effort. And while that might be true technically, it completely misses the point.

Why Some Students Fail (and Others Succeed)

Last semester, I noticed something interesting. Some students who weren’t strong in English decided to skip assignments, assuming they could still pass. Others, however, took advantage of every opportunity to improve. One key example? The individual assignment. It wasn’t worth many points, so a lot of students just ignored it, thinking they didn’t need it.

The result? Some students failed by just one point. Those who had done the individual assignment received the extra point they needed to pass. But those who skipped it? I let their final grade stand as it was.

Did I enjoy failing them? Of course not. But I had to draw a line. If I let students believe they can do nothing and still pass, I would lose their respect, and the value of my class would mean nothing. More importantly, they would lose the opportunity to actually improve their English.

The Real Test: Your Future

Here’s the truth: The students who put in the effort now will be the ones who see results later. English isn’t just another school subject—it’s a key that unlocks opportunities. Imagine missing out on a great job just because you didn’t take your English studies seriously when you had the chance.

And that brings me to something else I noticed in class. I once played a video for discussion, asking students to watch and answer questions. When I looked around the room, most students were staring at their phones. Only two were actually watching the video.

No wonder only a few students succeed. Is it a lack of ability? No. It’s a lack of motivation.

That’s why I tell stories about success. Because success doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who are willing to pay the price.

So ask yourself: Are you putting in the effort to succeed? Or are you just hoping to scrape by?

The choice is yours. But remember—your future will reflect the effort you put in today.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 03 Mar 2025