END-OF-YEAR THANKSGIVING

First of all I would like to thank God, who has given me a lot of blessing so that I can serve a lot of students this year (2008). I thank God for the opportunities he has prepared for me. It is also God, who has driven me to move one step further... to enter a different kind of “world”. Indeed... for him and because of him I have done all those things...

I thank my wife, Maria Gracia Maxi, and my son, Yohanes Maria Vianney Sutadi, who always support me... Both of you are my inspiration... you are everything for me...

Thanks a lot to Ibu Caroline T. Priyapto, my mother, who endlessly prays for me and my family. Thanks a lot to my brother and sisters: FX Sutyasno, Sr. M. Kristiana SND and Cicilia E. Atmintarsih for their love and care. Thanks a lot to Madame M.M. Martanti, my mother in law, and Mas Reza, Mas Tino and Mbak Jeny for their support.

To close this year, I also would like to thank Mas Ir A.M. Suryatmanta and his wife, Mbak Ir A. Susanti, both are the owners of Kumon Mathematics School in Jalan Sudirman Bogor, who have encouraged me to start my own English course. Their words triggered my will.

I would like to thank my working partners at Independent English Course: Miss Irma Lismayanti and Miss Ramadhani Nuryunawati for their great job this year.

I want to give my thanks to my current and former students who have always made me happy and courageous by giving me supports. I will never forget to mention them for their great help and friendship: Etty Nur Baety, Arief Kurniadi, Lorita, Rahmat Hidayat, Risa Guntari, Pramita Fitri, Maria Angela Turangan, Raynaldy, Rini Asmunati, etc.

Thanks a lot to my previous colleagues who have helped me in my previous job: Ms Dewi Lestari HW, Ms Siti Wastunnahari, Ms Latifah Soraya, Mr Amir Syarifuddin, Ms Suprihati Sarlan and Tarmaji. I thank Mr Budianto Wijaya, Mr Satyadhi Hendra and Mr Udaya NH for their guidance when I still joined their company.

I would like to thank Mr Ir Mamul Zein, chairman of HIPKI DPC Kota Bogor, Ibu Ratmi and Bapak Drs. H. Ridwan Jamaluddin from UPTD Dinas Pendidikan Dasar Kecamatan Tanah Sareal, and Bapak Bambang Gunawan SH, MSi, head of Dinas Pendidikan Kota Bogor, who have helped me to establish Independent English Course by issuing recommendation and course licence.

I’d like to express my gratitude to some private students who have trusted me to help them this year: Miss Lorita, who became my first private student at Independent, Mrs. Dr. Nurhaimi Haris, who trusted me to help her to prepare her paper presentation, Mr Dr. Uhendi Haris, who gave support both to his wife and me so that the private lessons could run well. Thanks to Pramita Fitri and Risa Guntari, who kept helping me when I needed them. I’d also like to thank Mrs Yulianti Rosdian, Mrs Tanti Kusumayati, Mrs Nurjanah and Mrs Tuti Herawati from SMAN 7 Bogor, who have trusted me to help them prepare their bilingual lessons. Thanks a lot to Mr Rizal Ponto, Tubagus Riezky and Pramesti.

I also want to thank my great friends at Exultate Choir (Pak Simon, Pak Ludo, Bu Ludo, Mas Gago, etc.), St Theresia Choir (Pak Jack and friends) and BMV Choir, who have given me support and can understand my shortcoming to serve them.

I cannot deny that I learn a lot from some VCDs/DVDs and books written by great Indonesian motivators and successful people such as Pak Tung Desem Waringin, Pak Mario Teguh and Pak Purdi E Chandra. They have given me a lof of inspiration.

Finally, I thank you all for your time to read this blog.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
God bless you all.

(Thomas A. Sutadi)

TESTIMONIALS ABOUT MY ENGLISH COURSE

REGULAR STUDENTS SAY...

If you want to take regular classes, you can just come to my English course, Independent English Course, at Jl Raya Taman Cimanggu 50 RT 03/RW 01, Kelurahan Kedung Waringin, Kecamatan Tanah Sareal, Kota Bogor.

I have a lot of loyal students. Some of them give the following testimonials about the English course they attend twice a week.

“I like studying here because the teacher is very nice, and the atmosphere is good and fun. I really enjoy it…” (Vito Adrian, SMPN 1 Bogor)

“You can feel togetherness in the class...” (Clara Kanajaya, SMA Regina Pacis Bogor)

“Independent is a good English course. It can help us to learn English well. The place is not big but it is cosy. The teacher is kind and funny... You can be his friend and quickly learn English.” (Marwin Suwardi, SMP Regina Pacis Bogor)

“It is a good English course. The teacher is good and kind. Although it is noisy outside, we enjoy the course...” (Stevanie Clarisa, SMP Kesatuan Bogor)

“I think Independent English Course is nice. I like the lesson atmosphere…” (Annisa D.A.K., SMPN 4 Bogor)

“I think Independent is good. When we study, we sometimes laugh together...” (Andrianus Pujianto, SMP Regina Pacis)

“It is a good place to study English. The teacher is friendly and the class is good...” (Mia Sylvia S., SMP Kesatuan Bogor)

“I like Independent and I want to speak English well. I like the teacher, too.” (Christian Ryan, SD Kesatuan Bogor)

“The course is good. The teacher is funny. It is noisy outside but I like studying here...” (Livia, SMP Mardi Waluya Bogor)

“Independent is a good English course. The teacher is very nice, clever and never angry; his knowledge is wide; the place is strategic; it is clean…small but comfortable; the teaching and learning process is so fun and exciting… and there are a lot of stories and games…” (S. Hanun U., SMPN 1 Bogor)

“The course is fun and I think I become smarter after I join Independent. Besides, the teacher is very friendly.” (Rexy Dwi Putra, SMP IT ABN Bogor)

The testimonials above are truly made by my students. You may come to my English course to check whether the statements above are true or false. You will meet my enthusiastic and optimistic students...

WHAT I BELIEVE ABOUT MY STUDENTS

I always believe that my students are smart.
I always believe that my students are great persons... but I also realise that everyone is unique. Some of them learn faster than others. Some others do not learn as fast as their friends. Meanwhile, some students are better at certain aspects of English than other learners. I believe, however, sooner or later, if they really study seriously, they will master English.

I always believe that success needs a long process.
Learning and mastering English is not an instant process... it is a long process, which needs hard work and a lot of practices. My students have to use English more often and consistently. They must not be afraid of making mistakes... and they must believe that they can master it if they use English in their everyday life.

I always believe that I have to cooperate with my students and people around them.
A teacher is not everything... a teacher is not an all-round person... a teacher is not a know-how for all questions. A teacher is like a guide that shows a map... Without students, a teacher cannot do anything. On the other side, a student has to work together with a teacher to make his English better. Supports from the students’ family are needed. Parents need to check whether their children do homework or not. The society must not discourage any students who want to practise their English.

WHAT DO THEY SAY ABOUT ME?

I have been teaching English for quite a long time. I have met a lot of different students and people. I have undergone a long process to be a teacher. There have been some disappointing moments and there are also some satisfactory achievements. That’s life. I always hold a principle that a teacher is not everything; a teacher is also an ordinary person who can make mistakes in his job. The success of a student to master English could happen not only because of the teacher’s involvement but also because of the cooperation between the teacher and the student and usually with the support from the student’s parents or relatives. When I can help my students to be able to master English, I don’t feel that this is because of me. However, when I find that my students cannot get their dream to master English, I will accept the responsibility to be the first person to be blamed.

Here are some testimonials and comments from some former students and others about me. I would like to thank them for sending the testimonials via email, SMS, letter or by coming to my office. I am sorry for not posting all testimonials from other students and former students at the moment, but I promise I will write them when time comes.

MR THOMAS IS A GOOD PERSON
By ETTY NUR BAETYY*

“Mr Thomas is a good person. We usually call him Mr T. He’s the best teacher ever. The way he teaches us never makes us feel bored. He usually combines the teaching materials with discussion or games. It’s really fun. The most important thing beside teaching is that he always encourages us & gives us some motivation, the spirit of life. Thank you Mr T for teaching me for 3 years. I love English...”

(Etty Nur Baetty is an IPB graduate, who studied English from me together with Else Ariani, Ruslan Efendi, Aditya Novian from 2005 to 2007; currently works at PT Asuransi MSIG Indonesia in Jakarta; she lives in Bogor. She sent this testimonial via SMS on 1 November 2008 at 19:04:38)

MR THOMAS, YOU TEACH WELL AND NICELY
By RISA GUNTARI*

“Mr Thomas, you teach well and nicely. At the same time, you can teach how to speak, listen, and understand English, including how to write it down. You know how to make people feel confident to show their ability in English. You speak clearly and slowly, but not too slowly. And you also speak with nice intonation and pronunciation, so that it is nice to hear you speaking English, telling stories and so on. Beside that, you also like to bring jokes and ‘lessons’ to every conversation you have, so that I never become bored to hear you.

The course materials are very close and very useful for daily need… some things that are needed to make us know how to communicate with English, in informal or formal conversations or presentations.

As far as I know you, you are a nice person. You are wise, funny, modest, dedicated, and once you concern in something, you will do the best for it. You know how to make people feel appreciated (including remembering people’s names). You see the world with a big spirit and eagerness. You always bring them to every step of your life and you bring them to the people around you.

Through you, English is not something boring, but something fun for me. It is like a game, a worth thing and a need for me to be applied everyday. ”

(Risa Guntari became my students when she was in SMAN 5 Bogor (around 2004-2006), studying together with Adi Purwanto, Disa Pramaristi, Dea Firti and Dian Astutiningsih. The last time she joined my classes in September 2008; currently studying at Trisakti University in Jakarta, studying architectur. She sent this testimonial via email on Sunday, 2 November 2008)

MR THOMAS IS A PATIENT TEACHER
By RINI ASMUNATI*

“Mr Thomas is a patient teacher, disciplined when giving the course materials and flexible when teaching students from various ages and English language levels. When he taught me and my colleagues, he gave us good atmosphere during teaching and made the students feel comfortable and not bored.”

(Mrs Rini Asmunati was former research assistant at International Potato Center (CIP) Bogor. She was my former student who attended an extensive English office-training at CIP from 2002-2004. She lives in Bogor with her husband and two lovely sons: Fathan and Faqih. She sent this testimonial via SMS on Monday, 3 November 2008 at 14:32:20)

HE IS MY FAVOURITE TEACHER
By MARIA ANGELA TURANGAN*

“He is my favourite English teacher. Although now we're not teacher and student anymore, every time we meet he always talks to me in English. That's a good thing, but I think my English is getting worse 'coz I rarely use it anymore, and so I'm a little bit shy to face him now... he…he…he…. Oh yeah, he's good at teaching... He's a nice teacher, who knows when to be serious and when to be joking... And the way he teaches, he does not use books all the time. When I was still in his class, we sometimes played games, had some debates, and did more fun things so we never got bored...”

(Maria Angela Turangan lives in Surabaya and studies in a medical faculty there. She studied in my class when she was still in junior high school. Once a year she still meets me in Bogor. She is a friendly and smiling girl. She has got good voice to sing. I hope she will be a good doctor one day. She sent this testimonial via email on Monday, 3 November 2008)

I’VE GOT SELF-CONFIDENCE
By Mr RAHMAT HIDAYAT, S.Pd.*

“I was one of Pak Thomas’ students about 6 or 7 years ago. From him I learnt a lot of things, especially how to speak English confidently. He helped me to gain my self-confidence to use English for everyday communication. The result is that I can now become an English teacher at three different elementary schools in Bogor although my education background is not the English language. I still have contacts with him and sometimes we get involved in small talks and discussions.”

(Bapak Rahmat Hidayat, S.Pd or Pak Agus as he is usually called by his colleagues lives and works in Bogor. He teaches English and other subjects at SDN Bantarjati V, SDN Sempur Kaler, and SD Semeru IV.He has a wife and two children. Tue-4 Nov-2008-14.30)


MR THOMAS IS A GREAT TEACHER
By ARIEF KURNIADI, AMd.*

“He is the best English teacher that I have ever had. For me his English is just perfect. He has great personality; he is cheerful and he has a sense of humour. When I was still sitting in his classes, I was pleased and I enjoyed being in his class. He could be my teacher, friend and also brother. His course was more than just an English course; it was a family for me. Best regards to you, Sir.”

(Arief Kurniadi was my student about 7-8 years ago when he was still an IPB student. He now lives in Bogor with his wife and he works in Jakarta. We sometimes still communicate with each other… in English)

BECAUSE OF HIM I LOVE TO SPEAK ENGLISH
By LORITA*

“Mr. Thomas is one of my favourite English teachers… He always makes me feel confident to speak English, and he gives me big support… Because of him I love to speak English. Thanks, Mr Thomas. Hope you are always successful. See… you always make me feel happy and confident. You are a good teacher!! Good luck for your English course too!! GBU!!”

(Lorita was my private student together with Lorika her sister about 9-10 years ago. Recently we have met again for some English meetings. Graduated from Tarumanegara University, Lorita (sometimes I call her Ita or Cece) manages her father’s shoe factory… so, she is a manager now. This friendly, cheerful and smart girl still has a dream to be a flight attendant… Good luck, Cece)

I FIRST THOUGHT HE WAS AN “INSINYUR KEHUTANAN”
By N.N. *

I joined Pak Thomas’ class to prepare my six-month course on forestry environmental researches in a university in England. My office asked me to go there. It was a rather difficult assignment for me as my English was not good at that time. Moreover, I only had 1 month to prepare and I could only study in an English course twice a week or 8 times.

For several meetings Pak Thomas and I were involved in some discussions on the topics I wanted to learn in England. To my surprise, Pak Thomas understood what I presented. Even sometimes he proposed some issues that I had never thought before. I believed that Pak Thomas was an “Insinyur Kehutanan” graduated from UGM in Yogyakarta!!! So, I asked him when he had graduated and he said that he had graduated in 1993. I asked him if he was still in contact with some Gadjah Mada University graduates… but he said he did not know any of them. He convinced me that he had never been to Faculty of Forestry… but I did not believe in him.

I thought he was just too embarrassed to be an English teacher, so I gave him some advice, “Pak Thomas, you needn’t feel embarrassed to be a course teacher. It is honourable to be a teacher… although you are a “Insinyur Kehutanan”…” Then he cut my words, “I am sorry, Sir, but I have no other words to convince you that I have never studied forestry in a faculty of forestry in any universities in the world. I graduated from ABA in Yogyakarta… no less no more.” I was surprised!!

Later Pak Thomas told me that he often read some books, magazines, papers and some other publication to prepare his classes so that he could teach his students better. Pak Thomas, thanks a lot for your help. I could attend my six-month course in England successfully. I hope to see you again one day…”

(N.N. For certain reasons, the writer of this testimonial does not want his identity to be disclosed. He is a nice person and always eager to learn something new. I pray for his success in his career and life.)

My Testimonial For You…
By PRAMITA FITRI*

I have known Mr. Thomas since I was in the second grade of junior high school. At that time, he was one of the teachers in an English course. The first time he taught me, I was afraid. He looked like a very serious man who you couldn’t kid with. But after several times of meetings, my view of him changed.
Personally, he is a very nice man, enthusiastic, and a good story-teller. He is also a smart teacher with a wide knowledge. There will be no word of “bored” when you are in his class. Even a very boring subject for you to learn at school could be interesting when he is teaching you. He is always able to find a way to cheer up the class atmosphere.
He really encouraged me to be active in English. I was “forced” to speak English, inside and outside the class. Once he was angry with me because I was so quite in the class. I didn’t want to speak simply because I was afraid to make mistakes. But then, thanks for the “force” that he gave me, I tried very hard to make myself brave to speak English and also learn from the mistakes I’ve made. After all, what’s the point of learning English if you can’t show it, right?
Now, I’ve already graduated from my university and I’m still thankful for the education and encouragement that Mr. Thomas already gave me. Because of him I am able to communicate in English, which is now a “must-requirement” when you apply for a job….^_^…
So, thank you and hope for the best for your future, Mr. Thomas.

(Pramita Fitri graduated from the Faculty of Psychology of University of Indonesia this year – 2008. Her English is very good… She has got good British pronunciation as well… She has tried hard to make her English better and better. I hope she can be a good psychologist to serve the society.)

IT’S HARD TO FIND A PERSON …
By Reynaldy Prabowo*

“It's quite hard to find a person like Mr.Thomas, a reliable teacher with a lot of exps and unique teaching methods. You know, he has his own style... impressive ... Whatever u need ... a teacher, a consultant even a figure, you'll get it within him. Maybe it's hard to imagine, but you'll soon realize when you exactly meet this man. He'll teach you with a lot of lessons that u need.
He'll give you even more than just a theory or an ANCIENT ENGLISH METHOD. Practise English, not to be shy to try it and he’ll give you an example for sure. I think you'll be lucky if u are taught by him.”

(Reynaldy or Aldy as he is usually called is a student at University of Jendral Achmad Yani in Bandung, sitting at the Faculty of Medicine. He was my student for about 2 years. An active speaker of English, he won several English speech contest competitions when he was in high school in Bogor. He is an example of students who are not afraid of making mistakes. I always whish him luck.)

NOT ALL STUDENTS OR FORMER STUDENTS ARE SATISFIED

Not all students like my personality or the way I teach them. Even some of them feel they do not get anything from me. Here are some testimonials from some of them.

ANAK SAYA NGGA’ DAPET APA-APA TUH…
By IBU SOPIAH*

“Saya kursuskan anak saya ke Pa Thomas. Sudah 5 bulan ia belajar.. tapi kok ngga ada kemajuan apa-apa. Nilai raport kelas XI terakhir kemarin malah turun drastis… Seharusnya kan naik, kenapa malah turun. Saya sebagai orang tua pengin anak saya pintar... bukan malah jadi bahan ejekan di sekolahnya. Anak saya juga komplain karena guru lesnya terus-terusan pake bahasa Inggris di kelas. Mustinya kan neranginnya pake bahasa Indonesia dulu.. baru setelah anak ngerti, guru bisa pake bahasa Inggris. Sudah bayar mahal, sia-sia jadinya.”

(Ibu Sopiah, I can understand that you are disappointed. You can claim the money that you have paid. I always guarantee that if you or your son are not satisfied with me, you can take your money back …100% and I will not ask WHY. In your son’s case, I found that his attendance was only 45% altogether. Besides, he rarely did the homework I had given and he never gave me any notice every time he was absent. I hope he is all right.)

STILL AFRAID
By PRASITA ARDANIA*

“I have learnt English from Mr. Thomas for a few months but I still feel afraid to speak English. I do not know how. Mr. Thomas is not angry with me but I just do not know how to be brave to speak. I am afraid that people will “menertawakan” me. Anyone has a “resep” for this? Please help.”

(Prasita Ardania is a high school student. Yes, she is very quiet in the class. But… can you see that the comment above is well structured? I can say that her English is good although she forgot some words; she just needs to accept the fact that nobody’s perfect. Nia, kalau Nia ingin dapat berbicara bahasa Inggris, berbicaralah. Jangan berpikir apakah nanti bicaranya benar atau tidak. Coba bayangkan kalau Nia mau mandi. Nia kan pasti langsung ke kamar mandi dan tidak pernah berpikir apakah nanti mandinya sukses atau tidak… Kalau toh tidak ada sabun di kamar mandi, kan Nia tinggal keluar lagi trus ambil sabun? Sama… kalau Nia salah bicara, kan tinggal mengoreksi sendiri… I hope you can overcome it. You are special, Nia; you can do it!!!)

IMAGINE

Bayangkan...

Anda bisa bercakap-cakap dengan bule-bule yang lalu lalang di kota Bogor.
Anda bisa menonton film-film barat tanpa harus membaca terjemahannya.
Anda bisa mengirim email dalam bahasa Inggris kepada rekan-rekan Anda di luar negeri.
Anda memiliki skor TOEFL di atas 550 atau 600 sehingga karir Anda di kantor naik.
Anda bisa memperoleh nilai A di Kartu Hasil Studi (KHS) Anda untuk Mata Kuliah bahasa Inggris.
Anda mendapat nilai 10 dalam rapor sekolah Anda.
Anda menjalani wawancara dalam bahasa Inggris di sebuah perusahaan asing tanpa kesulitan.
Anda bisa melakukan presentasi bisnis atau melaporkan hasil riset Anda.
Anda bisa mengembangkan hobi Anda seperti mendesain friendster Anda.
Bayangkan Anda bisa berkomunikasi dengan lancar dalam bahasa Inggris....

Bersama kami, Anda tidak hanya akan membayangkan.

Lebih dari itu, Anda akan dapat melakukannya!

Kontak saya hari ini juga karena bisa jadi orang lain sudah belajar bersama saya di saat Anda memerlukan saya.

Telepon Flexi (0251) 2298154
Cellular Phone (0813-8099-8494)
Email: bgr.privat@gmail.com
Blog: http://bgr-privat.blogspot.com/

WHAT WILL YOU GET IN YOUR PRIVATE COURSE?

1. You will get the course materials you need. I have prepared all materials for you and I have made sure that your need will be met. Even when I delegate the course to another teacher, I can make sure that the substitute teacher will have similar competence to or even better than mine. The money that you have paid for the course fee will include the material too. See the details in the price list.

2. You will get a 100% guarantee. If your need is not met in certain time, you will have the right to claim your money and I will return all the money that you have paid. When I return the money, the course materials and other things that you have ever got remain yours. The 100% guarantee will be given to you as a response to your full commitment for the private course.

FIVE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A PRIVATE COURSE

1. Teacher comes to your home. You need not go out. This will save your energy, time and money.


2. You needn’t spend any petrol for your car or motorcycle; this will save your money and help to reduce the air pollution.


3. You can ask your teacher for any materials that you really want and need. You need not compromise with or wait for other students.


4. You have more time to express and expose yourself as there are not other students unless you form a group of two, three, four or five. However, studying in a group of two-five students will also be more effective as you have the same interest and goal when you form a private class.


5. You are familiar with the situation of your house, office or school; this will reduce the tension that other students usually feel when they go to a different place for a course.

PRIVATE COURSE FEATURES

Private English Programmes:
English for Children
English for Teenagers
English for Young Adults
English for Adults
Conversation
English for Academic Purposes
Business English
English for Civil Servants (PNS)
English for Tired English Teachers
English for School Teachers
etc.

Price List
A. For Children, Teenagers and Young Adults
English for Children
English for Teenagers
English for Young Adults

Registration : Rp 100.000 per group (1-5 students)
Course Fee : Rp 100.000 per session (including course materials)
Transport Fee : Rp 5.000 – 10.000 per session (depending on the distance)

B. For Adults and Others Programmes
English for Adults
Conversation
English for Academic Purposes
Business English
English for Civil Servants (PNS)
English for Tired English Teachers
English for Teachers
etc.

Registration : Rp 150.000 per group
Course Fee : Rp 125.000 per session (including course materials)
Transport Fee : Rp 5.000 – 10.000 per session (depending on the distance)