My Learning Experience with Mark Anthony Spina at Actavis Elizabeth

 

My name is Yanming Mi. It has been more than a decade since I attended the first English class taught by Mark Anthony Spina in May 2003 at Actavis Elizabeth. Looking back, I strongly feel that my learning experience with Mark is enjoyable, fruitful, and rewarding.

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As a first generation immigrant, I have been struggling with English for a long time. I came to this country in 1994 to pursue advanced education. Although I successfully completed graduate studies in 2001, I was fully aware that I might not land in a career due to deficiency in English.

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After joining Actavis in May 2003, I learned that the department had an English remediation program designed to improve the technical writing skills of non-native speakers. Each participant is offered a one-on-one learning opportunity for half an hour each week with our English tutor, Mark Anthony Spina. I quickly applied and subsequently became a member of Mark’s English class.

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In the first few weeks, Mark offered writing lessons to me to assess my writing skill. Once he had found out what I needed to improve most, he developed a custom program specific for me. From vocabulary, grammar, and paragraph to idiomatic expression, structure, and style, Mark walked me through all these fields. Most importantly, he allows me to learn from making mistakes and encourages me to overcome shyness and embarrassment, which is typically the road block to effective learning.

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Although I initially focused on technical writing, my area of interests was subsequently expanded to include theatre review, current events, editorials, and the hot-button issues the society cares about, etc. I am encouraged to pick articles from well-known magazines such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. As I read through the chosen article each time, I often meet some expressions rooted in cultural references, of which mostly I am clueless. Mark, a theatre director, with extensive knowledge in history and literature, patiently guides me by elaborating on the cultural references, through which I have learned a lot about this great nation. In addition, my oral and presentation skills have been greatly improved as a result.

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My decade-long learning experience with Mark has played a crucial role in my career advancement. When I joined the company, I was struggling to put a report together. But now, I am a trusted designee responsible for writing FDA deficiency response. I am proud of what I have contributed to the company. But this could not have happened without Mark, a veteran English tutor who is willing to guide me through uneven terrains to wherever I want to go. It is really a blessing to have Mark as my English teacher.

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Looking forward, I will continue to learn English from Mark since there is always room for improvement. On the other hand, through years of experience I know from my heart that what Mark can offer to those with English as a second language is unlimited. This is too good an opportunity to miss or ignore.

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Yanming Mi

Actavis Phamaceuticals

Elizabeth, NJ