Yesterday I had a chat with Daniel in the CIES lounge after his classes. He wanted to show me his essay he was working on, so I took a look at it. It was a persuasive essay against life imprisonment. He had some good ideas in it, and I refrained from correcting minor grammatical flaws, choosing to discuss the content. I asked him, "Say someone kills your brother, does he not deserve life in prison?" He told me that yes, the man deserves prison, but he should be rehabilitated instead of locked up until he dies. I somewhat agreed, although I don't know enough on the matter to make an ultimate decision. I then told him about the prison problem in America: the U.S. has the highest percentage of its population behind bars, and the rate of recidivism (repeat offenders) is also extremely high. Jails cost the American taxpayer, and the War on Drugs has been ultimately ineffective compared with its cost.
I showed him an email I recently sent in Spanish, and this gave him an opportunity to correct me. He showed me an error, and I asked him why it was wrong. He said that's just the way it is. A taste of my own medicine. We talked then a little about the frustrations of learning a language, and it brought us to the same level, that I could learn as much from him as he from me.
I love the mutual gain and learning opportunities here. "A taste of my own medicine" So true and frustrating! I really see the value in learning from my partners, because it never allows me to forget how hard their job is too!
ReplyDeleteOh man. Getting into a serious topic. I, too, agree Daniel. A very humanitarian opinion. I dig, I dig.
ReplyDeleteI like the whole interdependent student-teacher thing the both of you have. I think it serves better for a mutual progress. I dig, squared. Again. Ha, very cool, man.