The first time I sat in this classroom, I felt both excited and nervous. My name is Emily Zhang, and I’m a seventh grader from Class 2 of Grade 7 at Sunshine Middle School. Today, I’d like to share with you a little about my life, my interests, and the things that make me unique.

Starting with my family, I come from a family of four. My parents work as teachers, which means I’ve grown up surrounded by books and learning. My father is a history teacher, so he often tells me stories about ancient civilizations, while my mother, a literature teacher, shares poetry and famous novels with me. My younger brother, who’s only five years old, is my constant companion. We play board games every weekend, and he’s already started learning simple English phrases from me. This responsibility has taught me patience and the joy of teaching others.

As for school life, I’m currently studying at Sunshine Middle School, a school with a strong emphasis on both academics and extracurricular activities. My favorite subjects are math and English. In math class, I enjoy solving complex problems because it challenges my logical thinking. For example, last month, our class participated in a math competition where we had to design a model city using geometric principles. My team won second place, and I realized that teamwork and creativity are as important as individual talent. English is my second language, but I’ve made great progress. I joined the school’s English drama club last year and performed in three plays, including Alice in Wonderland and The Little Prince. Performing on stage has boosted my confidence and improved my pronunciation.

My hobbies are as diverse as my interests. I’m an avid reader, and my bookshelf includes novels, science magazines, and even a collection of graphic novels. Recently, I’ve been obsessed with a series called The Magic City, which combines fantasy and environmental protection themes. This has sparked my interest in writing my own short stories. In addition to reading, I’m also passionate about sports. I play badminton with my classmates every Thursday afternoon, and I’ve been selected to join the school’s badminton team for the upcoming regional competition. Physical activity not only keeps me healthy but also helps me relax after long hours of studying.

However, I’m not perfect. I sometimes struggle with time management. For example, during exam preparation last term, I spent too much time practicing math problems and neglected my English reading assignments, which caused me to fall behind. My teacher advised me to create a study schedule using a digital planner, and now I set specific time blocks for each subject. This change has significantly improved my efficiency. Another challenge I face is public speaking. Even though I’ve performed in dramas, standing in front of a large audience still makes me anxious. To overcome this, I joined a debate club last month and gradually learned to organize my thoughts and speak clearly.

Looking ahead, my goals are both short-term and long-term. In the next two years, I aim to maintain my GPA above 3.8 while improving my English skills. I’ve started keeping a vocabulary journal and practicing speaking with an online tutor. Long-term, I dream of becoming a teacher like my parents, combining my love for learning with the ability to inspire others. I also hope to travel to different countries to broaden my horizons and maybe even study abroad someday.

To my friends and teachers, I’d like to express my gratitude. You’ve supported me through every challenge, whether it was helping me with a difficult math problem or encouraging me during a speech competition. My parents have been my greatest fans, always attending school events and offering guidance. I know that their teachings—such as perseverance, kindness, and curiosity—will guide me throughout life.

In conclusion, I’m a curious learner, a passionate dreamer, and a determined person. I may not be the smartest or the most athletic student, but I believe that my combination of strengths and willingness to improve will help me achieve my goals. As I grow older, I hope to make a positive impact on the world, just like the people who have shaped me. Thank you for listening to my story!