Why I want to know English?

You know, English is very popular in Russia. In all the prestigious schools, pupils study it. I'm not an exception. =) [This could be written, "I'm no exception". It's correct either way.]
I have been studying English for ten years, since I started school.
At first I liked it and tried to learn more than my classmates, but after some time, ["after some time" is correct, but, "as time passed", is more common] this interest disappeared.
Now, I understand how important it is to know one more ["one more" is correct; "another" is more common.] language. It gives me a chance to find new friends all over the world and to listen to foreign music. Also, it will be useful in the near future, when I start working.