The Alien | Rahee Park | TEDxChadwick International School

Rahee Park begins her talk by describing the disorienting experience of being in an environment where everything feels out of reach - her situation six years ago when she started international school in second grade knowing only the alphabet and basic English words like 'hi' and 'hello.' She describes the intense anxiety of classroom situations, particularly a pivotal moment when she had to introduce herself after rehearsing obsessively, managing only to say 'Hi, my name is Rahee and I am um eight' before sitting down in silence. This experience taught her that speaking in a new language requires both knowledge and courage. The challenges intensified as lessons felt double-speed and group work became particularly difficult, as she couldn't participate in the rapid idea-sharing and bonding that occurred naturally among her English-speaking classmates. The most painful aspect wasn't the academic struggles but feeling unable to express her true personality - while she was talkative and confident in Korean, her identity felt trapped behind a language barrier in English. Despite others lowering their expectations and doubting her ability to catch up, Rahee made a crucial decision to believe in herself. She implemented a systematic approach to learning: carrying a notebook for new vocabulary, asking teachers for repetition, practicing in mirrors, reading simple books, and watching English cartoons. She embraced mistakes as practice rather than failures. Gradually, she began understanding lessons, following conversations, and raising her hand more often, with her first unrehearsed answer feeling like a major victory. Over the years, English transformed from a foreign language to a natural mode of thinking, allowing her to express ideas clearly and participate fully in discussions. The experience taught her resilience, discipline, and most importantly, that others' doubts don't control one's future.