So my latest venture and current way to "improve myself" has been taking Spanish classes. I'm already three classes deep and I am loving every second of it. In case you didn't know, I am kinda obsessed with Latin American culture. The language, the music, the people, everything about the culture just mesmerizes me. I am planning to volunteer in Central or South America either Spring or Summer 2015, so I thought it would make sense to start practicing my espanol. Right now I am taking two classes a week both 1.5 hours, and am looking forward to seeing how much I improve over the next few months. It would be my dream to become fluent, but I know that's hard considering I am not listening/speaking Spanish everyday.
I started taking Spanish in middle school all the way through high school. I think by the time I graduated HS I had taken 5 years worth of Spanish. I really did enjoy each and everyone of my Spanish teachers and classes. In fact I was so good in Spanish 3 Honors, that my teacher nominated me for this student of the year award haha. I didn't really start practicing again until I started dating my ex (his mom is from Guatemala and half of his family lives in Tijuana). Just from spending time over his house and hearing his family speak, I was starting to pick up on stuff. And then I started my job as an Environmental Health Specialist. I would say that 70% of restaurants I inspected were Mexican and 95% of the time there were employees that did not speak English. In order to do my job properly I started studying a language translation book provided by my job and starting speaking implying it in my restaurants. My operators were telling me how helpful it was that I spoke Spanish, and every time I practiced at work I would pick up on new words or sayings. And now I am in a position where I don't need to use Spanish anymore. But I still want to learn and continue to get better.
Mi Maestra (my teacher) is originally from Mexico City and I really enjoy how she teaches the class. It is VERY interactive which is exactly what I need. Since the class limit is 5 people, it forces you to have to speak or answer questions (instead of just blending in the background). The biggest thing I need to work on is conversing and speaking out loud. Usually, I get so nervous when someone asks me a question in Spanish....I kind of just freeze up. So I love that I get to talk and practice out loud and not feel dumb. I think what takes off a lot of the pressure is the fact that I am taking the classes because I want to, not because I have to, and I am not being graded! Its definitely allowed me to participate more then I used to when I was in school. Plus in addition to small workbook exercises we watch a lot of videos/movies which keeps it fun and interesting.
And on that note I am heading to Tijuana this evening to try out some new restaurants and practice my Spanish, wish me luck!
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