Bingbing passes the test

https://www.ielts.org/

My name is Bingbing and I come from China. I have been studying English through AMEP Distance Learning with my teacher Daniel since January 2016. I chose DL because it allows me to study at home while looking after my one year old child.

My goal is to go to university to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing and become a registered nurse. To be accepted into this course I need to sit the English test, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and achieve a score of 6 for each module: listening, reading, writing and speaking, and an overall score of 6.5.

I needed extra help with speaking and writing in particular. I knew these skills were my weaknesses and I couldn't imagine myself getting a score of 6 studying on my own.

My teacher Daniel (Navitas Parramatta college), focussed his lessons to help me prepare for the IELTS test. After 6 months of preparation, I made my first attempt and I was excited about the results. I achieved the required scores and more: Listening 7.5, Reading 7.5, Writing 7, Speaking 6, and overall a score of 7. I was particularly amazed by my writing score and so happy that my hard work paid off. Daniel was very proud of me too.

I think the key to success in achieving any goal, not just IELTS, is to have the right guidance and then work hard persistently towards your dream. I know it is easier said than done. I still recall times when I felt frustrated because I failed to brainstorm any ideas for a topic and thought to give up. Fortunately, it was just a thought. If you want to achieve something, don't expect fast or easy results, but practise everyday and trust the process knowing that you will improve gradually.

Choosing Distance Learning was one of the best decisions I've ever made. What I learnt from teacher Daniel was more than the knowledge and skills necessary for achieving my academic goals. His constant encouragement and acknowledgment of my progress kept me positive, patient and confident in my endeavours.

It's interesting to note that following the writing of her story, Bingbing changed her mind about her course of study.  Inspired by Teacher Daniel she is now doing a postgraduate qualification in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) to become an English teacher helping migrants in the same way she was helped. From all of us in DL, we wish Bingbing a bright career teaching English.

• What are you short and long-term goals? What are the steps to achieve them?
• What makes us sometimes change our goals along the way?
• What advice would you give someone who needs direction, motivation or confidence in achieving their goal?

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