Practice listening and speaking English for daily communication – My Friend in the Next Office

Improve your ability to speak English

My Friend in the Next Office

When I started my job a year ago at the university, I did not know my way around.

I did not know where to find anything.

I had a million questions.

But Dianne in the next office

took me on a tour showing me the places to eat, the library, the lecture rooms, where to get a picture ID card, how to get from one building to another.

When I had a question I asked Dianne: how to use the telephone, where to make copies, where to print with my computer, the location of my mailbox. 

She teaches as I do.

We both spend a lot of time helping students and answering their questions.

She giggles a lot; I hear her laugh with her students. 

Dianne is shy in a group of people.

She is quiet and does not start a conversation.

Everyone around her talks and she listens.

On Friday afternoons, she makes popcorn for everyone.

We all sit in the staff room and eat microwaved popcorn and drink tea and talk.

We start to relax for the weekend and talk about our plans. 

She is a good friend; she helps my students when I am not there; she wishes me good luck when I go to a lecture.

I am very glad that she can be my friend in the office beside mine.