English Has Always Saved My Life
Come to think of it, I have had a very long relationship with English. In this post, I would like to write about the times in my life when I felt, "English saved me," or "I'm glad I can speak English."
I was able to join a foreign-affiliated company as a new graduate
When I graduated from university, my only goal was to become a cabin attendant for a foreign airline. Looking back now, it was quite reckless, but that was the folly of youth. I didn't apply to any other companies at all and only challenged myself to get hired as a foreign airline CA.
Thanks to that, I was able to join the company where I still work today. I believe that being hired as a new graduate by a foreign company, which prefers talent that can be used immediately, was a matter of great luck, as well as the fact that I could speak English.
I was able to communicate on the same level as foreigners, which broadened my horizons
Being blessed with close foreign friends, just like my Japanese friends, is an irreplaceable treasure in my life. When you can understand each other's language, you can converse on an equal footing and communicate deeply.
When I talk to them, there are many things that would be unthinkable from a Japanese way of thinking, but then I realize, "Wait, this actually makes sense..."
For example, issues such as environmental protection, LGBTQ rights, and non-traditional partnerships have, in my experience, been actively discussed in the West for 20 to 30 years.
By directly encountering the ideas and perspectives of friends who are already practicing these things or are several steps ahead, I believe my own horizons and thinking have become considerably broader and more flexible.
English helped me when I was in trouble
During the COVID-19 pandemic, one day I was suddenly unable to fly, and the company ordered me to stay home. Although there was some compensation for leave, my salary was significantly reduced during this time, as a matter of course.
More than that, it was English that supported me through this long, tunnel-like period where I didn't know how long it would last. Fortunately, I was able to find work as an English teacher. Thank you, English! If I could, I would hug you! No, really, English saved me both mentally and financially during this uncertain and anxious time.
On top of that, I discovered that teaching others is something I am actually quite suited for.
Life is unpredictable, as this experience led me to the idea of coaching English while continuing to fly. You don't fall without getting back up! I'm like the Gutsy Frog! (If you know the Gutsy Frog, I like you!)
Besides this, since there is an overwhelming amount of books and articles written in English in the world, being able to speak English means you can gain an overwhelming amount of knowledge and information—from such noble benefits to the small good deeds of being able to interpret for foreign tourists in trouble. I've even had mundane experiences, like when I was about to be ripped off by a taxi driver in a certain country and was able to talk my way out of it by rattling off in English... Ah, that might be more of a personality issue than English, haha.
Beyond this, I don't know how much I have been helped and supported by English throughout my life. I want to continue to be grateful for English and "repay" it by helping those who are learning English.
Looking back like this, there are only benefits to being able to speak English, and absolutely no downsides.
I have never studied abroad, but I have just loved English and continued to study it until now. There is nothing that would make me happier than being able to use my own experience to help English learners.
If you feel like giving it a try, please let me support your English learning. Please feel free to consult with me.
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