Topic 1 Module

         As we all know communication is key, but what does it mean exactly? Well, to be more precise, the word "communication" has an extensive diversity of definitions and examples. As for me, communication is a wide-range of extremely different actions.

First and foremost, the first thing that comes to my mind is oral communication. However, we should always keep in mind that not everything that people say is a truth, in fact, there's no way that people are completely honest. Nevertheless, there's a way to detect whether the person is lying or not. Gestures, postures and other involuntary signs could help. For instance, rubbing a nose while speaking is a definite sign of a lie.  

Secondly, music can really be a universal language, especially when you consider that music blends barriers between languages. Even though you don't know Russian, you are able to feel and understand music by Russian artists.

Actually, to be absolutely sincere, I believe that every kind of art is a language itself. It goes without saying that there is quite a mixed variety of artists, who speak in their own way, including mimes, clowns, ballet dancers, other dancers. Let's take Slava Polunin as a shining example. You might not know this but his Snowshow is still performed worldwide, due to the fact that he manages to turn the art of mime into a legendary, hilarious story. 

Other than that, I suspect that the most important is non-verbal communication. Smell, touch, sight, and sound are used not only to speak to each other but to share emotions. We all buy new perfumes and try to smell nice because it says a lot about you.
All those communications are very useful to keep in touch with the world around you.

Guess it

Nothing has changed

Albert Einstein once said: "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."

         Not only schools make the fish climb a tree, they make it climb down and run, jump and crawl for 11 years. Do you realize how many kids relate to that fish? Many kids, who never find their gifts, believing that they're stupid and that they have no talent. They live in the world, where everyone around is jealous of other's success. 

         There are millions of cases when C student outperforms A student in real life situations. They're just simply more successful. Take Mr. Einstein - he was one of the cases. Why is this even a case?

         If you compare Tesla Model X (2015) and  La Marquise (1884)

- enormous change, right? Let's keep going. Iphone XS (2018) and Nokia 3210 (1999). Did you imagine? Alright. Now: classroom nowadays and classroom a century ago. 

Nothing has changed

         School system claims to prepare students for the future. But the question is:

 do you prepare students for the future or the past?

Where it comes from

         The USSR school system was maid to prepare people to work in the industry, in factories. It explains why schools put students in straight rolls and make them sit still, raise the hand if you want to speak, give them a short break to eat and for eight hours a day tell them what to think. 

         Robots system, that's what I'd rather name it. Yet it was considered to be the best int he world. Yes, I get it, it was a different time and different needs.

         However, the world has progressed and we don't need to make robots-zombies. Now we need people who can think differently, creatively, independently with an ability to connect.

         Considering that everyone is different with unique mindsets, why do schools treat children as this one-size-fits-all system? That's horrific. 

Treating employees 

         It's a shame. Teachers have one of the most important jobs on the planet - they touch the heart of a kid and make him interested in the world itself. They fire up the spirit.

Yet they're underpaid

If the new century could customize cars,  health care, and VK pages, it's our duty to do the same with an educational system: To change it, upgrade it, value it. Let's give every gift an equal change. 

We need to focus on collaboration, instead of competition

It's tremendously important to keep in mind that while students are less than 25% of the population, they are 100% percent of the future.

Letters

Inviting letter

Dear Dr. Collins,
I'm tremendously glad to inform you that you've been invited to the annual Medical Conference. You're one of the three hundred Ph.D. holders this year, our team and volunteers have prepared everything you would possibly need to share the hands-on experience.

Medical Conference 2018 will be held in Ontario science center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Also, the conference is divided into three days -  neurobiology, cognitive sciences, surgery. Be sure to be in Toronto on 11th of June till 15th of June. Moreover, let me give you an overall idea of the event. First and foremost, the conference is expected to have over a thousand quests, including nurses, doctors, professors, medical students, and interns. Secondly, you may need doctors dressing gown and an official clothing for the opening of the conference.

All in all, we are hoping to have you as a part of our event. Please, let the organization know if you will take part in this Medical Conference 2018.

Yours faithfully,
Tatyana Nazarova, the head of the "MedEd Canada"

Accepting letter

Dear Mrs. DeGeneres, 

Thank you so much for the invitation to the "Ellen Show".I would be immensely happy to be a part of the most popular daytime TV show! 

I hope that we can film a great episode, that's why I have a few questions. What is the dress code? Do you want me to be prepared for the "Carpool Karaoke" section? Also, is it possible to have my hair done in your studio before the show? In addition, I would like to know if there will be an after party with Ellen and Portia. Please. let your security know that my husband and I will arrive in the White Tesla X (a119fr) in the morning. 

Thank you so much again, I hope to see you soon.

Yours, 

Tatyana Nazarova

Refusing letter

Dear Elon Musk,

Thank you a lot for the invitation to the Tesla S showcase event. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it. I'm sure that I'll regret that but it's nothing doing. 

It may sound sort of strange and maybe even a bit crazy I guess but I'll be out of the country the whole of July, due to the fact that I'm applying for the Harvard Medical school and I have an exam to pass on the campus. However, I have preordered a black Tesla Model S and I will not refuse to get it even with a transfer to another city. I'm assured that I won't be disappointed in the car even if I wouldn't see it on the showcase. 

Thank you so much for the invitation, hope the showcase will go incredibly well. 

Yours sincerely, 

Tatyana Nazarova

Asking for advice

Hello Alexandra, 

I'm disappointed to tell you that I wouldn't be able to apply for the college by myself, even though you've told me that it's easy as ABC. I have troubles of understanding the survey the college sent me. 

As my elder sister, you've been through this process before, so, please help. You might not know this but I've applied to Seneca College and they've accepted me. However, they sent me a survey, which is all about my personal data like Post Code or Future Address. I don't know any of this information. I'm not sure that they will accept me without this survey, that's why I want to ask if I can come to your house for the dinner and we could fill the form together or you can just text me some pieces of advice. 

I hope that you can find the time to help with an advice.

Love, 

Tanya

Giving Advice

Hey Carmen, 

I'm so sorry to hear that you have trouble with organization your time at school! You shouldn't worry about that, you can cope with that. I thought I'd give you some tips that I find helpful when I'm studying.

To my mind, the best thing to do is to avoid procrastination as hard as you can. This will mean that you should not spend your time unproductively, especially when you consider that you have some kind of phone addiction. Nevertheless, make sure that you include regular breaks in the timetable, though. That way you'll work more efficiently. 

If I were you, I'd try to do a different kind of tasks throughout the day, in case to not get bored with the routine. Have you thought about going to the gym during your spare time? It's a great way to reduce stress level. Finally, be consistent with your schedule - do not break whenever you want. 

Anyway, keep in mind that things get better and don't be anxious. If you ever need a support, be sure to reach me.

Take care,

Tanya