Sara's Story

Dear JacksonFive,

Speaking of corporal punishment and that will bring my terrible memory
of studying in junior high school. During that time, I led a depressing life
because I was afraid of being punished. Teachers were very strict to every
student. If students grade didn't achieve the level, teacher did corporal 
punishment on them.

The corporal punishment included many kinds of ways. For example,
slapping students face, kneeling down, beat their palms, beat their
calves, pinched their ears, hit their hand, etc. I have seen a girl being
slapped three times by my teacher after a history test

I was very shocked to see the scene, so I remembered that semester
my grade was number one because I told myself I don't want to be slapped.
Even my parents never slapped children, why do we have to be slap by
our teacher? Because of this thinking, I studied very hard. When I felt tired
of studying, I would tell myself to remember that girl's misery. Every day, I 
was scared of taking exams.

Other teachers who didn't slap students would beat students' palms. It was
painful, too. I remembered my friends in other school also had the same
treatment.  To many students, junior high school was a nightmare. I hate
corporal  punishment but I couldn't say anything back to the teacher.

At that time shy students were submissive and obeyed the rules. But some
outgoing students couldn't bear the treatment so they were very rebellious
against teachers. When I remember my experience in junior school, even
now I still feel terrible.

When I was in senior high school, the teachers never beat students. I felt
relieved and I didn't study hard. Because I didn't find the joy of study
in junior high school, I felt I was being forced to study. But later, I went 
to a Christian College. There, I got respected and praised from foreign 
teachers. In the beginning, I was very surprised.  How come teachers
can praise me for such a trivial thing?  But I was very happy inside my
heart.

Little by little, I feel it's fun to study and I can tell you that I love English
very much now.  When I read your newsletter, I always feel very thrilled.
I feel the  education system of western culture is wonderful (I passed
the GEPT and I also study in DFLL now).

Before, I couldn't find joy of study under the atmosphere of corporal
punishment.  But I am sure that I am happy now, and only praise and
respect can make people grow up ^_^

Sara

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