"Knowledge is power", one of the great men said. Speaking a foreign language you can not only read the papers, magazines and original books by great writers, but as well watch satellite TV programs, travel in different parts of the world. Besides, understanding and speaking a foreign language or two became necessary while looking for a good job. First the English language became widely spoken in the world with the rise of British empire. Then success of American industry and the growth of exports in technologies cause increase in circulation of the language. And the third factor of the last decades is remarkable boom in computer-related equipment and technologies as well as the influence of British and American pop culture and video films.

Fortunately, I began learning English even before I could understand the importance of speaking and understanding it. Now I know that it is very useful for a XXI century professional no matter what field you are in. The world is getting smaller and international connections tighter. One can not do well without one of the common European languages. I learn English because I want to read Alan Milne and Ernest Hemingway in their native language. I like Oscar Wilde and Lewis Carroll. They are quite different when translated.

Besides, I like to travel. Speaking English, I shall have no problems looking for a room or a meal anywhere in the world. I like to talk and make friends with people from different countries. Last autumn I became a member of the Moscow City Pen-Pal Club and now I have much pleasure writing letters to my Swiss and American pen-friends. I hope, some day we shall meet each other and have a good time in Moscow. There are also international friendship camps both in Russia and abroad where you can meet boys and girls from around the world. They do not often speak Russian which is much more difficult to learn than English.

In a word, I understand that I have to learn English hard and in a proper way.