Letter to the Editor |
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Dear Editors, My new life in the U.S. was going well until one day in January 2005, an hour and a half before her presentation in Syntax II class, a classmate accosted me. ˇ§If you ask me questions during my presentation, I'll murder you.ˇ¨ I shivered. I remained calm in my appearance though. ˇ§If you have any questions for me, tell me now so that I can prepare. If your questions are difficult, ask the professor directly; if they are easy, ask me. I will feel embarrassed if I am unable to answer the questions in class.ˇ¨ I told her the questions that I planned to ask. That night, I could hardly sleep. Shockingly unreasonable request, as I recalled. Last term in Syntax I class, I had thrown a killer question when some students presented their term papers. Though the question won praise from my professor and the rest of the classmates, those who were presenting had a really hard time. At graduate level, are we supposed to prepare well for our presentations? If we are informed of our presentation topics, are we going to be scared of questions from our colleagues? I always welcome questions in my presentations. Only through this can I improve myself and excel. If I fail to give an answer promptly, I'll admit my inadequacies and work on my shortcomings. My classmates from the Midwest perhaps have a different view? It's a good lesson, even if it makes life a bit frightening. Sincerely, |
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