“Language learning is not only about words, but about personal growth and meaningful connections.”

I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity to share my experience at the three-month post-OL English course at the Oblate Institute of Higher Learning. This journey has brought about a remarkable transformation in my life, not only in my English proficiency but also in my personal growth and confidence. First and foremost, I thank Almighty God for His unwavering support and guidance throughout these three months. Without His blessings, this achievement would not have been possible. We were also truly fortunate to be guided by excellent and dedicated instructors: Rev. Fr. Asanga Viraj, OMI; Rev. Fr. Hashan Charuka, OMI; and Rev. Fr. Philip George, OMI. Their commitment, patience, and encouragement were the driving forces behind our progress.

This course marked a significant milestone in our English language learning journey. It was carefully designed to comprehensively develop all four key skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. We started by strengthening our understanding of the basics and gradually progressed to tackling more advanced topics and real-life applications. The lessons were interactive and engaging, often involving group discussions, debates, and presentations. These activities not only improved our ability to communicate fluently but also helped us to think critically, express ourselves confidently, and understand different perspectives.

Among the many memorable experiences, our annual excursion to Kalpitiya holds a special place in my heart. It was a perfect blend of learning and leisure. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, we shared laughter, stories, and unforgettable moments that strengthened our friendships. This trip reminded us that learning can happen anywhere—not just inside a classroom—but also through the bonds we form and the experiences we share.

We also had the chance to participate in a formal debate, which tested our ability to think quickly, speak clearly, and defend our opinions with confidence. This experience, though challenging, greatly enhanced our public speaking skills. Additionally, small but meaningful celebrations such as birthday parties brought joy to our routine and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere among us. On our final day, we attended a special Mass, followed by a lively farewell party. This event was a heartfelt celebration of our hard work, growth, and the friendships we had built.

The guidance we received from our priests was invaluable. Rev. Fr. Asanga motivated us to persevere through challenges and never give up. Rev. Fr. Charuka gave us strategies to improve our reading and writing while enhancing our computing skills. Rev. Fr. Philip George encouraged us to overcome our fear of speaking and express ourselves in English without hesitation. Step by step, we moved from shy, broken sentences to confident speeches and well-structured essays.

Beyond language skills, this course taught us valuable life lessons—leadership, discipline, punctuality, cleanliness, teamwork, empathy and sensitivity towards others. Most importantly, we learned that the relationships we build are just as valuable as the knowledge we gain.

In conclusion, I realized that learning a language is not just about mastering vocabulary or grammar; it is about self-discovery, developing confidence, and forming connections that can last a lifetime. The Oblate Institute provided the perfect environment for us to grow, both as students and as individuals. These three months have truly been life-changing, leaving us with not only better English but also a stronger sense of who we are and what we can achieve.

“Every experience shapes our story, and every friendship becomes a treasured part of our lives.”

– Shehan Perera