Growing up, my childhood was deeply influenced by shows like MythBusters and How It’s Made on the Discovery Channel. I was always in awe, wide-eyed as the TV revealed how things were created—from laptops to everyday items. Each episode would focus on one thing and walk you through its journey from raw materials to finished product. I remember feeling captivated, like each item had its own story to tell, and all I had to do was watch and listen to unravel the mystery.
These shows were more than just entertainment—they ignited curiosity. Learning wasn’t confined to the classroom but spilled over into the world around me. My mom, an English teacher, nurtured this thirst for knowledge. My siblings and I grew up speaking English, not just because of our school lessons, but also due to our parents’ emphasis on it. Every time we had a question about English, they’d dive in with us, eager to explore language together. It was like a never-ending conversation, full of little discoveries.
As a teenager, my fascination shifted online, where I found chat rooms like Amino and Saiko +. In these spaces, I connected with people over shared passions—anime, video games, and pretty much anything else that caught our interest. Through those chats, I made friends from around the world—Filipinos, Canadians, Americans, Russians, Chinese, Japanese, and Brazilians. One friend from the Philippines, who I met during the pandemic, became a long-lasting connection. We’ve been gaming and chatting for over five years now!
These online friendships were more than just social. They played a crucial role in improving my English language proficiency. Typing out thoughts, learning new slang, and understanding cultural nuances all became part of my daily life. Suddenly, language was no longer just a school subject—it was a living, breathing part of my world.
Even now, I find myself constantly improving my English in ways that feel natural and engaging. YouTube has become a major resource for me. I watch documentaries, video essays, and gaming content, always listening closely to how language is used. Whether it’s a deep dive into game mechanics or a well-researched documentary, I’m always learning something new.
It’s funny how learning has changed over time—from the structured lessons of childhood, to the casual chat rooms of my teenage years, to the vast world of online content today. And yet, at the heart of it all, is the same sense of curiosity and wonder that has driven me from the beginning.
By Mr. Irfan Monier