By CAI Shaowei

On the evening of April 9th, as usual, many teachers and students whose enthusiasm for the English Corner never wane gathered in the lobby of the library. Tonight’ s topic wasThe Importance of Independence. The foreign teachers who attended the English Corner were Mr. Sean McHugh, Mr. Christopher Dockstader, Mr. Martin Stannard and Mr.Gerard Brent.

Westerners, in some respects, are more independent than Chinese. Speaking of study, Mr. Christopher Dockstader held that college students should not always depend on teachers’ guidance. Instead, Internet searching or books consulting are also good ways to find answers on one’s own. Most of the students were suddenly enlightened and strongly agreed with him.

In terms of traveling, westerners prefer to travel alone while Chinese like group travel. As for this, Mr. Martin Stannard said that traveling alone was a chance to enjoy freedom and to make friends. Although people inevitably came across some problems, they were cultivating their independence while seeking solutions alone. Some students also expressed their longing for traveling alone.

Mr. Sean McHugh and Mr. Gerard Brent both considered independence as a significant character for human being as well.

After having such a communication with the overseas teachers, have you learned a lot? Do you also want to travel alone? Or will you try solving problems on your own?