Newsletter September 2017

Editorial - Summer always ends with good memories By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SBLA

Does summer really end when you live in Southern California? With such great weather, SoCal residents can enjoy the beach nearly year-round since it doesn’t get extremely cold. However, September does bring the official end to summer as well as many other things. The academic school year in America begins either in the last part of August or early September. So children and students tend to dislike this time of year because their long summer breaks are over and it’s time to hit the books! (Parents tend to enjoy this time of year!) In the US, families prepare for the return to school by going “Back-to-school shopping” towards the end of summer and buy new clothes, shoes, back packs, and school supplies. It’s a pretty hectic, but exciting time! How do students in your country prepare for the return to school?

The end of summer also brings LSI’s Annual Futsal Tournament! This year, it will be held on September 15th at the LA Galaxy Soccer Center in Torrance.  What is futsal, you ask? It’s just like soccer but played indoors on a hard floor and not grass. It’s a very exciting sport, so if you love soccer, you’re sure to enjoy futsal! Check with your campus to see when futsal practice begins!

Language Systems Life Style (SBLA) - 30th Anniversary Party By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SBLA

Anniversaries are very special. It’s a time to look back on the years and be grateful for the journey that brought you to where you are today. In 2017, Language Systems is celebrating 30 years of making a difference in the lives of its students! To commemorate this remarkable milestone, LSI hosted an anniversary party at the beautiful Luminarias Restaurant in Los Angeles on August 18, 2017.

The venue was perfect for this special occasion. Luminarias sits on top of a hill overlooking the San Gabriel Valley. Spectacular views throughout the restaurant showcased the beauty of Los Angeles at night, creating an atmosphere that was just right for celebrating. The party was decorated in a black and gold theme with cute centerpieces on each table and balloons. Guests enjoyed appetizers, beverages, and live music during cocktail hour. The photo booth was busy all night, too! Everyone enjoyed taking pictures with the fun props. Every guest in attendance received a raffle ticket for a chance to win a gift card and one lucky attendee actually won the grand prize, which was a trip to Las Vegas!!

This party was also a like an LSI reunion!  Among the partygoers were current and former teachers, staff, and students. It was so wonderful to reconnect with the friendly faces from the last 30 years. There was a lot of catching up and picture taking, too! There was a very special speech from Maria, the owner and founder of LSI. She told a lovely story about the early days of LSI and how grateful she has been for everyone who has been part of LSI’s 30-year journey. Employees with more than 10 years at LSI were also honored with special recognition.
The rest of the evening was filled with lots of music and dancing. It was a wonderful night shared with friends, classmates, and coworkers. We are all lucky to be part of LSI’s 30-year history.

Discover LA (SBLA) - Vincent Thomas Bridge By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SBLA

If you ever find yourself going from Long Beach to San Pedro, or vice versa, you’ve likely traveled on the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Completed in 1963, the Vincent Thomas Bridge connects the city of Long Beach to San Pedro, Wilmington, and other surrounding areas. Before the bridge, port workers and travelers had to ride on ferries to take them across the 1,000-foot channel. The bridge is named for State Assemblyman Vincent Thomas, who served San Pedro for over 38 years. Here are some interesting facts about the bridge:

1. It is the 4th longest suspension bridge in California, after the Golden Gate Bridge, Carquinez Bridge, and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
2. The bridge was designed by the Bridge Department of the California Division of Highways, now known as Caltrans, which owns and maintains the bridge.
3. It spans 2.2 miles of Los Angeles County Route CA-47.
4.  It was constructed with 92,000 tons of Portland cement, 13,000 tons of lightweight concrete, 14,100 tons of steel and 1,270 tons of suspension cable. 
5. Travelers used to have to pay a 25-cent toll when the bridge opened in 1963. Assemblyman Thomas paid the first toll on opening day. The toll increased to 50 cents in 1983, and in 2000, the Bridge was considered “paid for” and the toll was removed.

Free in LA (SBLA) By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SBLA

• Fleet Week
  https://www.southbayevents.com/la-fleet-returns-port-los-angeles/
  

• Chalk Art Festival
  https://www.southbayevents.com/15th-annual-chalk-art-festival-on-the-redondo-pier/
  
  
  Join us in transforming the Redondo Beach Pier into a concrete canvas! This annual all-ages family event is FREE and open to the public. PRIZES awarded!
  15th Annual Chalk Art Festival on The Pier
  Presented by Redondo Pier Association
  Saturday, September 9, 2017
  12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  Redondo Beach Pier
  100 Fisherman’s Wharf
  Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Student Article 30 Year’s Anniversary By Mai Hanamura (TOEFL)

On August 18, 2017, the LSI 30th anniversary party was held at Luminarias.  Many students, teachers and staff gathered from all LSI schools and celebrated its 30th anniversary! The place was so beautiful and we enjoyed many good foods and drinks while talking to amazing LSI friends. After the DJ arrived, everyone started dancing on the floor together! We are all good friends! It was so much fun! We had a really good time there.
In 30 years, we met many students who had a great dream and their dreams came true in the US. We are so happy to be able to study with you.  And we also had amazing staff members who contributed to our school. They were awarded at this party! Congratulations!
What we have is not only the 30th anniversary celebration but also wonderful memories and a good bond with everyone through 30 years.  We are so glad to meet you everyone and we do continue to help and support your dream. We hope your life in the LSI is filled with much happiness so we can flourish. Thank you for 30 years!

Language Systems Faces Interview with Karla Solórzano Interview conducted by Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SBLA

I have been with Language Systems for just over 10 years, first as a teacher and now as Program Coordinator of the South Bay campus. During those years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting countless students. One of my former students is an amazing woman from Venezuela who arrived in my Level 6 Listening and Speaking class in 2008. She is now the Marketing Supervisor for Language Systems. We’re celebrating 30 years of LSI and so I sat down with Karla recently to ask her a few questions about her experience:

1. How did you first learn about LSI?
Online, I was trying to find an affordable school and I found it! :)

2. What was your impression of LSI as a student? And how has that impression changed over the years?
To be honest, I came with no expectations. And in my country, the well-known English Schools are very expensive compared to LSI so I was a little nervous. However, that all changed when I started my classes; the quality was great, and the welcoming environment was amazing. I started in level 5 (I think?) and finished the ESL program and then the TOEFL program and took the test. I would not have been able to do it without my teachers. Now, working here I realize how hard everyone works, and how many people are involved to offer the best classes and experience to the students.

3. What is something about LSI that you think is important for people to know?
I think some people might feel like I did when I first came; the affordable tuition can be a little deceiving and they might think the quality is not good. I want everyone to know that we have great teachers and high-quality programs. Trust me, I learned English here! :)
I also want people around the world to know that everyone is welcome here!

4. What are some of your best LSI memories?
The best memory is having the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, try their foods, learn their culture and also share mine. That's something I would never forget. I still have contact with many of my former classmates.  :)
As a Marketing manager, being able to work with some of my teachers when I was a student is priceless, and also being able still to learn about different cultures is amazing. I love that I get to be part of the students’ experience here at LSI and Los Angeles.

5. What do you wish for LSI in the next 30 years?
I hope in the next 30, 40, 50+ years, LSI keeps changing the lives of many more students!

It’s clear that Karla is a super star! Her work ethic as a student impressed me back in 2008, and it continues to impress me now! You’ve probably seen her at one of our fantastic all-campus events; she’s the one who is organizing and coordinating everything and everyone! Be sure to say “hello” to Karla at our Futsal Tournament on September 15th!

http://languagesystems.edu/

Newsletter May 2017

Editorial

Memorial Day

By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SB

           Americans celebrate Memorial Day every year on the last Monday in the month of May. This year, Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 29th. These days, Memorial Day is considered to be the unofficial start of summer and is typically celebrated throughout the county with barbeques, beach outings, picnics, and outdoor events.
When Memorial Day was first introduced in 1868, after the American Civil war, it was called Decoration Day. On this day, the graves of Union soldiers were decorated with flowers. As time went on, the day evolved into Memorial Day, with the war dead from all American conflicts being honored and remembered.
This Memorial Day, as you are enjoying your day off from school or work, let’s take a moment to think about those who have died. Try and find a Memorial Day event that commemorates the service and sacrifice of more than 1.8 million men and women who have given their lives for America since 1775.

Language Systems Life Style 

Dodger Baseball with SBLA
By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SB

          Baseball season is upon us, and so we thought it’d be a great idea to plan a school trip to see the Los Angeles Dodgers! PC Sylvia and Teacher Thaddeus organized a group of 20 people. The Dodgers were playing the Philadelphia Phillies and star pitcher Kenta Maeda was pitching! Our Japanese students were excited to see their beloved “Maeken” pitch in Los Angeles! We boarded the Dodger Stadium Express shuttles in Gardena and rode along with other Dodger fans to the stadium. The weather was perfect for an evening game.
Teacher Thaddeus is a huge Dodger fan and he was very helpful in explaining the rules, stats, and trivia to students who didn’t know much about the game or team. The game began with the Phillies in the lead, but soon the Dodgers overtook them in the fifth inning and won the game 5 to 3! We enjoyed Dodger Dogs, peanuts, and other ballpark snacks. It was too windy for their usual Friday night fireworks, but I think we were all a little relieved because we were ready to go home by the end of the game.
We had a great time together at the Dodger game!
   

Discover LA(SBLA)

Torrance Art Museum

By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SB

          The Torrance Art Museum is located within walking distance from the South Bay campus. It’s not a big museum, but is well known for showcasing contemporary and sometimes local artists. Some call the TAM Torrance’s best kept secret! If you’re an artist, an art lover, a student, or just a human who is spending some time in Torrance, make your way over the TAM and check out its current exhibit!
The museum’s mission is to “encourage all people to develop and increase their understanding and appreciation for modern and contemporary artwork via a variety of exhibitions offered in its two gallery spaces, as well as educational programs, artist talks, lectures, and symposia.
Through its emphasis on contemporary artistic expression in Southern California and globally, the Torrance Art Museum brings together visual artists and community members; fosters personal and civic well being by inspiring understanding and appreciation of the visual arts; promotes meaningful experiences in the arts to strengthen creative and critical thinking skills; and builds bridges between the visual arts and other disciplines in the humanities and sciences.”

www.torranceartmuseum.com

Free in LA (SBLA)

CRUISE AT THE BEACH CAR SHOW

By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SB

Every Friday night between April 8 and October 28, the lot in front of Ruby’s Diner in Redondo Beach becomes a giant car show, showcasing muscle cars and modern rides. Stop by Ruby’s Diner before or after you check out the cars for a delicious burger or milkshake. Enjoy this retro “California cruisin'” event each week throughout the summer!

https://www.southbayevents.com/cruise-at-the-beach-car-show-2017-05-05/

Language Systems Faces 

Interview with Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator in South Bay 

Sylvia is the Program Coordinator at the South Bay campus of Language Systems. This year, Sylvia is celebrating her 10th anniversary with LSI! Read on to find out more about her!.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working at LSI?
A: Working with international students has always been the best part of being a teacher and now as PC. Our students come from many different countries, so it’s a wonderful way to learn about these places. I’ve met so many wonderful people through my job at LSI.

Q: What is your favorite subject to teach?
A: Pronunciation in the CMAR class is really fun! I think pronunciation is something that many students forget about and it’s often the one thing that can take their English to the next level if they worked on it. Grammar is also interesting because it is the “nuts and bolts” of English, and without it, you just have words!

Q: What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
A: Students might be surprised to learn that I have run in and completed 4 full marathons in the last several years. I think this surprises people because I’m not very athletic or competitive or outdoorsy. My first 3 marathons were the Los Angeles marathons in 2009, 2010, and 2013. My most recent marathon was in Long Beach in 2016. I plan on doing at least a half marathon before 2017 is over!

Q: Do you have any advice for students who are struggling to improve their English?
A: It’s important to remember the reason you started studying English in the first place. If you want a better job, think about how your life would be if you got that great job and keep that image in your mind. If you’re studying English to move on to college or university in the US, imagine yourself on graduation day accepting your diploma. It might be difficult to stay motivated, but it’ll all be worth it once you achieve your goals!

Student Articles

          

Our morning TOEFL class practiced their writing skills with a very special topic:
Mother's Day

Independent Essay: Some people feel that Mother's Day is an important holiday for everyone to honor someone important to him or her. Others feel that people should honor their mother every day, and that the holiday makes people think that mothers only need to be recognized once a year. Which opinion do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

By Estelle
          Mother's day is celebrated all over the world for a good reason; to say "I love you" to a person really important to you. Mother's day is an important day for me for several reasons. It's a good occasion to remind your mom how much you love her, to do something special, and also to spend your entire day with her. 
This day is really special, it's a day that you are not afraid to say to your mom how much you love her and how much you are thankful about what she did for you. I remember when I was young, I used to make her  breakfast on the morning and to wake her up with a nice and cute little card that I built by myself with all the most beautiful words that I could know at that time. I continue this traditiontoday, and I still send her a card to say to her "thank you mom for being the best mom in the world, I love you so much".  
Next, this day is also a good way to do something for your mom and to reverse the role. Your mom is always here for you every day, so during this day of May you can be the one for her and make her an incredible gift that she will enjoy. Giving some flowers or a shiny tiny necklace that you bought is always a nice gift for the person who gave birth to you and a good way to make her day special.
Finally, I like to dedicate my entire day to my mom, to spend as much time as possible with her. Your mom needs attention, but she mostly needs your presence during this day. I used to take my mom to a gigantic, natural park next to the house and have a picnic there. We spend our day to relax, to talk, and to laugh. We try to make this day unforgettable and special. 
To conclude, mother's day is really important for those three main reasons. Even if you can enjoy your mom every day, you can't enjoy your mom as intensely as during this day. This day is her special day and nobody else's. 

By Haeyoung
          Every year, we meet Mother's Day in May. Some people feel happy with that day while others do not. I think Mother's Day is an important holiday to honor mothers because mothers deserve to have a special day for them once a year; it is difficult to recognize mothers and how important they are in daily lives, and people may build a strong relationship with their own mothers by honoring Mother's Day.
First, mothers give birth to their children by suffering from extreme pains and take care of the kids. With a great deal of dedication and sacrifices, the kids grow up and end up to be adults, who are  independent from their mothers. Thus, to honor mothers for their efforts, Mother's Day is vital for everyone.
Next, when being familiar with the dedication of mothers, it is not easy to recognize them as being valuable ones without whom we would not be able to be born and to thank them when we grow up. Therefore, it is necessary to honor mothers at Mother's Day at least once a year.
Finally, people may establish stronger relationships with their own mothers by remembering them as an honorable one on Mother's Day.
In conclusion, it is very essential to honor mothers on Mother's Day once a year, because they are worthy to be celebrated by their own families for their sacrifices and great efforts toward the families.

By William
          I think Mother's Day is one of the most important holidays and of course one’s mother has to be honored every day. She takes care of her kids every day, not just once a year,protects her kids when they are small, and gives motivation and suggestions when kids grow up and become adults. 
First, a mother takes care of her kids every day and lifelong. I am sure that is very, very difficult. It is like you have a job for your whole live, without holidays, weekends and vacations. A mother is responsible for her kids and every mother wants to raise her kids for a good life. Mothers give us our first education on how to read and write and it is very important for beginning education.
Second, as in nature, in a lion pridefor example, the mother always protects her cub  from dangers and in human life it is no less dangerous, so a mother is always ready for every situation.
A mother almost never relaxes; she relaxes only when kids relax instead of her or when kids are not far and she can see them, as did my mother. I was a very energetic kid so I was always under control of my mother, because I could have broken a vase or a window or even a TV.

Third, when kids grow up, a mother still remains a mother and keeps taking care of her kids but in another way. A mother always gives very good suggestions and helps with difficult situations with very good decisions.
In conclusion, I want say that a mother gives her whole life for her kids and I would say that her kids are her life. Mothers have to be honored every single day because mothers are given to us only once in a lifetime.

http://languagesystems.edu/

Newsletter January 2017

Editorial  - New Year’s Resolutions 

By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SB

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.

   

Here are the ten most common New Year’s Resolutions in the United States. Do you have some similar promises?

1. Start Exercising - After a season of too many cookies, candies and holiday parties, it's only natural that a vow to lose weight and get fit would follow. Each January, fitness clubs offer deals and promotions to those who want to keep their promises. 
2. Quit Smoking - So you want to quit smoking? Good luck. Only an estimated 15% of people who try to quit manage to stay cigarette-free six months later. 
3. Learn Something New - You'd love to play the piano. How great would it be to really know how to cook? Resolving to learn something new is exciting: the world is full of fascinating facts, skills and talents. And the process of discovering them, not just the end result, is enjoyable and rewarding.
4. Eat Healthier and Diet - During the holidays, everything we eat is pretty much awful for us:        eggnog, fudge, chips and dip, cheese balls. It's time to eat healthy. We promise to swap eggs and bagels for granola and oatmeal breakfasts; eat lean, protein-rich salads (nonfat dressing on the side, please) and fruit for lunch; cook fish and brown rice for dinner and serve it up with a side of spinach. It all sounds so good and possible on Jan. 2.
5. Get out of Debt and Save Money - After a difficult financial year (and the always budget-unfriendly month of December), consumers might try to stop spending and promise to manage their debt more effectively. Some tips are to allow yourself to eat one dinner out a week. Take a sack lunch to work most days. 
6. Spend More time with Family - Everyone's busy these days. But family is important, and the beginning of the year is an ideal time to reconnect with family that you haven't seen in a while. 
7. Travel - A new year and a new world of opportunities to explore — and places, too. Travel of some sort is on almost everyone's agenda, and some of the first things we tend to think of in a new year are those exotic destinations we'd hope to seek out. Take that road trip to rugged Nova Scotia, ride a hot-air balloon over the strange terrain of Cappadocia, or go on your first ocean cruise. 
8. Be Less Stressed - It's not a bad idea to resolve to be less stressed. Less stress can make you healthier and happier.
9. Volunteer - It may be a new year, but there are still old problems in the world. To start out on the right foot, you may resolve to lend a helping hand. You can help build a house, care for an animal, distribute food to the hungry, tutor a student. Volunteering could be the resolution that keeps on giving — to yourself and to others.
10. Drink Less - After the morning of Jan. 1, it's not surprising you probably wish you drank less. Drinking less is undoubtedly good for you: it's better for your health, your wallet and probably your reputation.

Language Systems Lifestyle - Torrance Art Museum 

By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SB

Last week, students joined teacher Corey for lunch at Wahoo's and walked over to the Torrance Art Museum. Here's what happened: 

It was the first time for most of the students to try Mexican food & they loved it! Wahoo's is a great "gateway" Mexican restaurant since it's sort of a fusion on Mexican, Hawaiian, and Asian style foods. There's something for everyone there!

After lunch we walked over to the Torrance Art Museum. It's so close to our school! I can't believe we've never been here before! We saw the South Bay Focus exhibition featuring local professional and amateur artists. We had our own private tour & learned a lot about the local art community.

Afterwards, we went to the nearby Pine Wind Garden to relax & see the koi fish (the Japanese students were surprised that we also say "koi" in English). It was very peaceful, and a great place to unwind after our tests.

Language Systems Lifestyle: Torrance Art Museum

Discover South Bay L.A. 

By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SB

The Madrona Marsh Preserve, located in Torrance, California, is the last vernal marsh remaining in the South Bay area of Los Angeles and one of few wetlands located within an urban landscape.

Formed eons ago when the mountains of the Palos Verdes Peninsula rose to the south, Madrona Marsh is a shallow depression fed by wet season (spring) storms as the name "vernal" indicates. After the rainy season, evaporation, percolation and transpiration reduce the water depth by about one-quarter of an inch (6 mm) per day. By the end of August, the wetland is dry and remains so until the following rainy season. Situated on land that was set aside for oil production in 1924, Madrona Marsh was never developed—unlike the surrounding city—and remains a valuable natural habitat for birds, reptiles, insects and even small mammals.

Ongoing efforts are restoring native plants including wildflowers and butterfly species. The area has long been popular with bird watchers and The Audubon Society has used Madrona Marsh for their annual bird census since 1967. El Camino College uses it as an outdoor biology and botany lab. Public access to the Madrona Marsh trails is offered Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and guided tours can be arranged by calling the Nature Center (310) 782-3989.

Activities include bird and nature walks, natural history classes and workshops, habitat restoration, science and astronomy programs, art exhibits, and children's nature programs. The center opened in 2001 and features exhibits about the plants, birds and animals of the marsh.
The marsh and nature center are closed to the public on Mondays. (From Wikipedia)

Free in South Bay L.A. - Candy Cane Lane 

By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SB 

Taking place for over 40 years, the Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza (also known as Candy Cane Lane) is one of the largest holiday decoration displays in the country. You can walk or drive through the neighborhood reveling in the sights, sounds and scents of the season. It’s a wonderful way to spend the evening and one the entire family will enjoy and remember for years to come. The wildly extravagant decorations are on display from December 1 through January 1 from about 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. You don’t want to miss this!

For additional information and directions, visit the website:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sleepy-hollow-christmas-lights-torrance

Student Article 1 - My Christmas in America 

By Anonymous (Level 6)

I’ve been living in American for one year, but I’ve never celebrated the real Christmas. This Christmas is going to be my first time celebrating. I’m extremely excited and I’ve been preparing everything to get ready for my Christmas Day. 

In Thailand, my country, Buddhism is the main religion so we don’t celebrate Christmas. Consequently, I really want to feel the real Christmas because I’ve never been in the country that celebrates Christmas. Last year, I lived with my sister but she didn’t have time to take me out and it was the time that I just arrived to America so I was afraid to go out alone. But this time I won’t miss it anymore.

I’ve decorated my house with lights and a Christmas tree. I have my house ready for my family to celebrate Christmas together. I can feel that we will have a really wonderful time and we are really excited to see each other. We will have dinner together and I have a Christmas gift for everybody in my family.

After Christmas day, I have a trip to go meet my boyfriend’s family in Mexico City. He bought me tickets to go to Mexico as my Christmas gift and that fulfills me a lot! I can feel the real Christmas atmosphere around me.

I really love Christmas time even though I’ve never touched the real “Christmas.” I hope I will have a wonderful time with people who I love and who love me and I wish everybody will have a great time on Christmas day this year and forever. 

Student Article 2 - My Resolutions for 2017 

By Caroline (Level 6)

Resolutions are about things that you want to change or improve, starting on January first and usually given up on January second. This is a stupid concept. Why do we need to wait until January first to get better? However, like everybody, I have my resolutions for 2017.

My first big important resolution is not to do boring things anymore. I want to choose what I want to do, when I want to do it, and who I want to do it with. I don’t want to depend on other people’s choices and be denied the opportunity to say what I really want. For example, my Thanksgiving dinner was very boring because I didn’t choose the people that were invited. Of course, it’s not my house and I am only a host student so of course, I don’t have any choice or chance to share my thoughts and feelings. But what a chore it is to be with people you don’t like for a special event!

My second resolution is to be more independent. I have to work hard to earn enough money to live by myself, because it’s my own fault if I live with people I don’t like. I need to do my part and rid myself of my current situation.

One other annoying thing I often do and want to stop is sulking. I don’t know why but I sulk easily and a lot. At least, that’s what people say. I do not agree with them all the time because I think that when I am sulking, it’s for a right and justified reason, but that’s ok. For them, I am going to try sulking less. I promise, but just a little because of course I cannot stop sulking for the rest of my life.

These are my main resolutions for 2017. There are only three, but I think three is already too ambitious, so I think I am going to focus on the second one first and continue to sulk and do boring things for a while or maybe why not keep it for 2018? Let me think about it.

Language Systems Faces - Interview with Teachers (SB) 

By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SB

We've got some wonderful teachers here at Language Systems South Bay campus. Here are just a few of the awesome teachers you'll find when you come visit us in Torrance. We asked some of them about their New Year's Resolutions, too.

From left to right: 

• Brandon is our morning TOEFL teacher. He has taught English in Korea and China and has excellent baking skills. He recently brought some of his amazing homemade cookies to share. His New Year's Resolution is to quit eating processed sugar and to cook more.
• DJ has been an LSI teacher for about 7 years now! He was an English teacher in Seoul, Korea and Okinawa Japan before coming to LA. DJ has taught almost every subject and level, but he especially enjoys helping students improve their writing. His New Year's Resolution is to go to the gym more often.
• Amanda has taught English in Japan before coming to LSI a year and a half ago. She is an excellent athlete and has coached our LSI soccer and futsal teams in our annual tournaments. Amanda's New Year's Resolution is to be less wasteful: waste less food, time, money, etc..
• Steven has been a teacher at LSI for about a year. This term, he is teaching reading, listening, and advanced conversation. Like Brandon, Steven also has excellent baking skills! If you have a chance to taste his rum cake, don't pass it up! We hope his New Year's Resolution is to bake more cake for his co-workers! Steven's advice for everyone in the new year is to "balance your responsibilities with fun!"
• Corey is our newest teacher at LSI South Bay. He has taught English in China and Korea and brings his expertise to our Levels 3, 4, and 5 Grammar classes! Corey's New Year's resolution is to cook MORE and to eat LESS at In-N-Out Burger! 
• Scott has been a teacher at LSI for almost 2 years now. He is currently teaching grammar in the mornings and TOEIC in the afternoons. Scott's New Year's Resolution is to "continue to strive for excellence!" 

It looks like 2017 will be even better for LSI South Bay's teachers! Cheers to all of you and we thank you for all your hard work!

http://languagesystems.edu/