New Member Corner, Bonnie Tse

Why I’ve finally jumped into the water  by Bonnie Tse

Whenever I’m angry with my students, they will start saying the song, “My Bonnie is over the ocean, my Bonnie is over the sea…” and, often, it does the trick --- I’ll be tickled and exasperated at the same time and I’ll stop scolding them!

Hi, everyone in Oasis! My name is Bonnie and I’ve joined Oasis for several months. Actually, I first came to visit about 3 years ago. What took me so long before I decided to join the club?

Fear.

That’s the reason.

I feared that I wouldn’t be able to do well in making the speeches;

I feared that I wouldn’t be able to persist in this endeavour;

I feared…. I feared… I feared….

So, I just waited by the side of the swimming pool. I dipped my toes into it once or twice, but I never got into the water.

But one night, while I was in a concert, I got an awakening. In the concert, there were a group of young singers belting out the song You Raise Me Up. The song was so touching, the singers’ voices were pure magic and I was moved beyond words. Suddenly I turned my attention from the singers to the pianist, my sister’s daughter, and realized that the cute little girl whom I used to know had already turned into a young, confident lady! Yet, I, her Auntie, was still as timid as a mouse!

As an English teacher, I’ve often taught my students to speak confidently and eloquently. But ironically, (aside from speaking in the classrooms) I seldom have the chance to speak publicly in front of an audience. That’s why I still suffer from stage fright. After attending the concert, I told myself: THIS MUST STOP!

That’s why I finally jumped into the swimming pool and joined the Oasis. And I’ve no regrets whatsoever about this decision.

For, I’ve discovered that the members in Oasis are all very warm and approachable. And, above all, they are all very enthusiastic in improving their oral skills. I’m sure that, with such an encouraging atmosphere, we Oasisians, would all raise each other up; we would all grow and prosper!

Let me share with you the lovely song, You Raise Me Up. I’ve added the last 2 verses to describe the experience I have had in Oasis.

You Raise Me Up

1.          When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

2.          Chorus:
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

3.          When I come out and oh my heart keeps jumping,
My turn to speak but my mind’s all gone blank,
Then I look down and pray that I were elsewhere,
Until you smile and drive the storm away.

4.           Chorus:
You raise me up, Oasis in the desert;
You raise me up and give me back my voice;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up and make my heart rejoice!