As someone who has learned English as a second language, I can confidently say that encountering the language has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It has opened up a whole new world of opportunities and experiences that I would have never been able to have otherwise.

Learning English has allowed me to connect with people from all over the world, both online and in person. I have made friends with people from countries I have never even heard of before, and the internet has made it possible for us to communicate and share our thoughts and experiences with each other. I have also been able to travel to English-speaking countries and immerse myself in their cultures, which has been an incredibly enriching experience.

In addition to the social benefits, knowing English has also been incredibly helpful in my academic and professional life. Many of the best resources in my field are in English, and being able to access and understand them has been crucial to my success. It has also opened up job opportunities that I would have never been able to pursue without a strong command of the language.

But perhaps the greatest gift of encountering English has been the way it has broadened my perspective and helped me to better understand the world around me. Through reading books, watching movies, and listening to music in English, I have been able to learn about different cultures, histories, and ways of thinking that I would have never been exposed to otherwise. It has made me a more empathetic and informed person, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

In short, encountering English has been a truly life-changing experience for me. It has allowed me to connect with people, pursue my passions, and broaden my horizons in ways that I never thought possible. I am so glad that I didn't let the challenges of learning a new language deter me from embracing this incredible opportunity.