Language Learning Experience

After taking Spanish classes through high school (5 years of them, to be exact), I expected to be able to hold a conversation in the language once I finished. However, after the 5 courses, I still could barely utter a single sentence in Spanish. I knew I wanted to speak it still, but that day came a bit sooner than expected. After changing my major in undergrad, I decided to study Spanish. I traveled to Spain to gain more communicative and intercultural competency, but I still found it incredibly challenging to communicate. After months of practicing in Spain, communicating with my Spanish-speaking friends, and watching shows/movies, I finally felt as though I had grasped the communicative aspect. I still struggle daily with keeping my proficiency at least at intermediate high (if not higher), but I think it helps me relate to my students' language learning journeys. We are learning and growing alongside of each other and we hold each other accountable, which is an incredible journey!