My name is Ngawang Dechen and I am from Pooruwala Tibetan settlement, Uttarakhand. I chose to study Chinese language for two prime reasons, which are my inherent passion of studying foreign languages, and to engage and understand (my country) Tibet’s adversary better through their own language. I am studying Chinese language at the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education since January.
My career goal is to earn and excel as a Tibetan-Chinese-English Interpreter personally for livelihood, and broadly to contribute back to the Community in the best way(s) possible. From being a seasonal sweater selling family entangled with a considerable amount of loans and had also fallen prey to a robbery at the business venue last year, I cannot thank Empowering the Vision (ENVISION) enough for endowing me with moral support and financial assistance for my course through their fellowship program. Their generous help unburdens my financial constraints and enables me to pursue my interest, peacefully.
I never got the opportunity to study Chinese language earlier and as such, it was not only alien but also difficult for beginners like me to comprehend. However, after studying hard for some months, I am confident to admit that my proficiency in the language has reached at the elementary level as I understand basic daily conversations, can read, and write without difficulties.
I personally believe that the attitude of the learner, sincerity, and the learner’s attentiveness to the language is important to get proficiency in any foreign language. Speaking to native Chinese speakers (in my case our teacher), conversing with friends in Chinese, taking extra classes from teachers on weekends, watching Chinese films, videos, tutorials, listening to Chinese songs are some of the constants in my calendar to polish the language. I would like to thank Empowering the Vision once again for assisting and financing my education.