I recently "took up Mandarin." Many of you may ask, "How does one just 'take up' one of the most difficult written and spoken languages in the world?" The story is unexpectedly short: I went to China this Spring which endowed me with the passion I needed to put in the practice hours. I received my inspiration from an education week teacher, John Hilton III. He carried on a minute long conversation with one of my friends named Jenn. I later learned that he learns from listening to tapes in his car and then eats out at Chinese twice a week to practice. I acquired some learning tools online and have begun the long road myself this week. So far I can say, "Excuse me; may I ask you a question? Can you speak English/Mandarin? I can speak a little English/Mandarin." It's such a beautiful feeling to say that to random people and have them just look back at me with respect and awe.
Self growth is tender; it's holy ground. There's no higher investment.