I didn’t speak english…may be no one will notice?
Welcome back!
When I was sixteen I arrived to the USA. I didn’t speak any English and I didn’t know anyone. I would go to school and sat in the front of every class as closed to the teacher as possible, so that I could watch the teacher’s lips and pay 110% attention hoping I can understand something.
Once in the Government class we had a project. The teacher asked us to put a report of our Government together with a picture on the cover. And I put a photo I took at The Disneyland electric light parade – remember that “Bald Eagle”. I thought it was the most American thing ever. Let’s just say everybody in class including the teacher had a good laugh.
In ESL class (English for Second Language) the teacher had these very long red finger nails and she was always eating in front of us. One day she had a block of cheese and a knife plus her Ritz crackers, she was fixing up her lunch as usual. Suddenly one of her finger nail came off and I was freaking out! I watched her pick up the loss nail, and she put it back on her finger. That is how I learn about Lee press on nail.
Once in the cafeteria I had a tray of food in hands, this guy came up and asks, “Are you done with that?” I didn’t really understand what he was saying. I nodded my head and he took my tray of lunch. The next day in the cafeteria I see the same guy walking up; I think to myself whatever he says I should shake my head. He walked up and said, “Do you want this?” I shook my head and he took my tray again! Two days no lunch for me. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to make a sense, I didn’t want people to know I didn’t speak English.
Back then I didn’t talk very much because I didn’t want people to know I didn’t fit in. My English was so poor that a lot of time I acted like I understand even if I did not. I was very shy.
Eventually I learned that I can’t hide forever. I can’t worry about my English any longer. The only way I can learn to speak English is to speak English and to make mistakes, lots of lots of mistakes. If I am only going to speak when I can do it perfectly, I may never ever open my mouth.
That was one of my decisions on Imperfect Action is better than No Action.
In the latest meme - the blogosphere’s version of the game of tag - Robyn McMaster tagged me. And by accepting the tagging of a meme, the rule is for me to share 7 interesting Random Facts about me. The point of this game to help us bloggers to get to know one another. The last time I was tagged, I wrote 5 things about me. So this time I decided to share the 3 short stories and I think you’ll learn more then 7 facts this way.
The 2nd part of the game is for me to tag 7 people for them to share 7 interesting Random things about themselves. I am tagging Kian Ann, Jacques Violette, Eva J Mah, Scott Kuhn , Hugo And Roxanne, Shaw Funami and Rhinestone Pepper. If you want to join in the fun, go and tag 7 people each and ask them to link back to the one who tagged them. Remember to twitter or comment on their blog when you tag them so they will know they have been tag.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Wow. Inspiring and awesome post.
Certainly defines that you just need that turning point or that “imperfect action” to well be on your way to a easier tomorrow.
Sweet…tagged. Will be thinking about and writing in the morning!
Hi Trevor
Yes, I agreeed that was one of my turning point
Thanks for your comment. Great to see you.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Hi Scott
Awesome, I can’t wait to learn more about you.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Wow, you have the greatest stories to share!! We remember those press-on nails!! LOL
All those experiences lend you to where you are now, because of Imperfect Action!! You’re spreading such an incredible message and inspiring many others to do the same.
Thanks for tagging us!
Many Blessings….
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~
Another meme. Another meme. Oh no oh no! LOL
Ok, wait… you didn’t tag me this time. I’m safe.
I am glad you chose this story to tell. I like it.
Hi again Giovanna! As an ESL teacher here in Athens, Hellas (Greece) it is very fulfilling for me to teach English to the Greek children..Born and raised in New Jersey, USA and now living in Athens for over twelve years, I make sure that when they attempt to speak, I commend them on their effort. ‘Just say it” and Lord and behold, they do!!! I make some mistakes when i speak greek to them…………………….They laugh, and then we all laugh together. Great way to build self-confidence!
Hi Hugo & Roxanne
I am glad you enjoyed the stories. The press on nails freaked me out for a long time LOL
I can’t wait to read your tag. This is going to be fun
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Hi Amy
If I would have tagged you, you would have gotten tag twice in one day
I like those stories too
Thanks for reminding me about them 
Giovanna Garcia
Hi Red Seagull Hellas
That is awesome! You are a ESL teacher, I have a friend who teachs in Japan.
I think it is best way to learn is to allow room for mistake. No one learns without having to make any mistake.
You sound like a great Teacher
Thanks for your comment, I look forward to reading more from you.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
I know how you feel, not because I went through it but because of stories my parents told me of when they came to Australia. It was very hard for them not knowing another language and people used to laugh at mistakes that they made. It’s why I am so tolerant and patient with people I meet who have come here not knowing our language but trying so hard to learn it. When they apologize for their ignorance I always tell them that they are doing well as they know more English than I know of their language.
Hi Giovanna, I enjoyed reading your story and getting to know more about you-thanks for sharing!
Giovanna, I’m very inspired by the way you overcame huge obstacles to speak English. You do so well now, especially as you converse on Twitter. I’m very honored that you followed through to answer my tag.
You write so well because as you describe your dilemma in the cafeteria I was able to picture it in my mind.
Keep up the great work!
Hi Sire
Thank you for your support. You parents must be very cool people
That is why you are so kind.
Thank You for your comment, I am always happy to read what you write.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Hi Nancy
Great to see you
I am glad you enjoyed the stories.
Thanks for your comment, I look forward to reading more from you.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Hi Robyn
Thanks for the tagged
you helped the community connect with each other.
I am glad you enjoyed my stories and mostly I am happy that I made sense.
Thanks for your comment, stop by anytime
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Hi Giovanna:
Thank you for your story and tagging me for meme. I participates in the game. I tagged 7 friends of mine. See how it goes. See you! Your story reminded me my first visit to US. You can read it from my article. See you!
Yep, they are very good parents. I only hope that I can do as good a job with my kids.
Hi Gio - sounds like an interesting project & you’ll learn such an eclectic mix of people’s 7 interesting facts .. choosing the facts should be fun - I’ll catch up and join in - enjoy the enlightening experience - Hilary
Hi Sire
I think you are a good Dad, based on the stuff you have written. Beside, I beleive when if we believe we are… then we become…
So, my vote is - you are a great Dad.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Hi Hilary
Yeah, catch up and join the fun!
You just let me know.
Thanks for your comment, I look forward to reading more from you.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
I really hope so Giovanna. They’re a great couple of kids and haven’t given me any grief….yet.
Hi Sire
That is awesome! I only have one
Giovanna
Really? What have you got? I’ve got a 20year old boy and a 16, going on 17 in Jan, girl.
Hi Sire
Did you understand you right, you have a 20 yr son and an almost 17yr old daughter?
I have a 11 months old baby boy 
You so going to laugh at me, as I am a totally newbie compare to you
Giovanna
Yep, you read that right Giovanna, and congratulations of your 11 month old baby boy. I hope you are taking a lot of photos because they grow up so quick and you will appreciate looking back on them later on in life.
Hi Sire
That is so cool! Wow, so you know all about the kid dating thing. So in many years from now I can ask you about that
OMG, I do take a lot of pictures
A Lot…
Giovanna
Don’t go there Giovanna. My daughter is just now seeing a boy. I am keeping a close watch on her, at least as much as I can. I’ve had my little talk, when she was nine, and I reminded of it recently. I told her that I trust her and that I hope she won’t disappoint me. She is a good kid, but it is still worrying.
I can only imagine…
[...] us bloggers to get to know one another, the last time I was tagged, I wrote 5 things about me and I didn’t speak English…may be no one will notice? So this time I decided to share “Message to my young self and I think you’ll learn 6 facts [...]
Hi Giovanna,
Great Blog about “didn’t speak English” , it reminded me of myself when I came to this country.
After I got off the Plan, I followed all the People to the exit, because I didn’t know what “exit” meant.
However I’ve learned that “following” is only good for a short period of time. If You want to be successful in life you need to become a Leader.
Reinhard Eder
Excel To Top Marketer
That’s awesome! I remember ESL days and how no one wanted to play with us.
Especially non-Asian kids who thought they were too good for us!
Bad english is better than no english!
Hi Reinhard
So, you know what that is like
Yes, when I didn’t speak English, I had to do a lot of following. A big part was because I don’t know what is going on.
And as I begin to speak English and I was able to make chooses.
Thanks for your comment.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Hi Tracy
That is a good one, “Imperfect English is better than No English!”
Thanks for your comment.Come back anytime.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
[...] I didn’t speak english…may be no one will notice? Face your fear! You will to be rewarded. [...]