Molina Herrera Wins First Place in OPIE Writing Contest

Ricardo Molina Herrera, wins first place in OPIE Writing Contest.

Ricardo Molina Herrera won first place in the Ohio Program of Intensive English Writing Contest, organized this semester by the OPIE Ambassadors.

For the contest, participants submitted a four- to five-paragraph essay in response to one of the following topics: 1). Describe your life as an OHIO student; 2) Describe what a typical day would be like in your hometown; or 3) Describe what you imagine your life will be like in five years.

Herrera is from Guatemala, and he is studying in the Ohio Program of Intensive English on a Fulbright scholarship.

“Since I began studying English I have met people from almost all over the world. I have never imagined that I was going to have a good relationship with people from Asia or Africa, for instance. Now, I have noticed that even though we came from so far places, we are not completely different,” he writes.

Read about Herrera’s experience at Ohio University and OPIE in his first place winning essay:

‘My Life as an OU Student’

by Ricardo Molina Herrera

Look at these tiny snowflakes! That was the first expression I had when I saw for the first time the winter season in this beautiful town, Athens. I could not wait to see all the things that this new experience was going to bring me. In the next days, the Ohio University and the OPIE Staff began providing some presentations about the coexistence rules and the English program. At that moment, my eyes were looking everywhere, watching different people, cultures and faces. I was totally impressed by that; my academic life had started. Since then, I believe that my life as OPIE student has been very enriching because of new opportunities and connections.

Every day is a new opportunity. My alarm sounds at 7:00 am, I see through the window how the sun rays enter through it, so I know that it is time to get ready for a new productive day of classes. I start walking among the OU gardens feeling the fresh air; I say hello some people. I see many squirrels eating and playing each other on the trees, and then, I get to Gordy Hall, which is the building where I take my classes. My classmates are as always very friendly and easy going people. The different languages between our countries pressure us to talk in English during the breaks or even outside classes which is very useful because that means more practice and therefore an improvement in our English skills. Yet, sometimes when the ideas are not completely clear because they are very complex, my international friends and I guess in a right way. I think we have developed a funny but accurate ability to understand each other. That situation has made us have a strong relationship.

Ricardo Molina Herrera with friends at a picnic.

The OPIE program connects worlds. Since I began studying English I have met people from almost all over the world. I have never imagined that I was going to have a good relationship with people from Asia or Africa, for instance. Now, I have noticed that even though we came from so far places, we are not completely different. In fact, we share many point of views about life and also we have a lot of favorite things in common, such as touristic places or foods. Now, I see the world not as big a place as I thought before coming here. The teachers, on the other hand, have played an import role in my academic life as well. It is impressive how they have patience and vocation to teach to all of us. They always receive us with a smile and a positive attitude; there is no doubt they are a good motivation to keep working. Moreover, they have extraordinary backgrounds with many experiences across the world so they not only teach us English, but also they share with us many adventures from their previous journeys.

Hererra at a picnic with his Omani friends

To conclude, studying at OPIE has changed my life. This program is like a big family where each person feels as a one member of it. Students learn about cultures, religions, hardworking, teamwork and of course, about English. Thank you OPIE for being part of my life and for preparing me for my future. I will never forget this amazing and unique experience.