"Many of my students are nervous to speak English, which is a feeling with which I can relate. This helps me put myself in their shoes and also helps them feel more relaxed."
Major(s) and Certificate(s): Spanish and Psychology
Language(s): Spanish
Graduation Year: 2016
What motivated you to study this/these languages?
I studied Spanish throughout middle and high school. When I started at UW-Madison, I enrolled in a Spanish course mainly to earn retro-credits. During my second semester, I did not take any Spanish classes. The absence of studying a language made me realize just how much I had enjoyed it and inspired me to not only continue taking Spanish courses but also to major in it. The courses I took continued to motivate me. I learned more about the rich history of the Spanish language and the cultures where it is spoken.
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
A lot of my Spanish classes at UW were more intimate than other classes I took. They were mostly discussion based rather than big lectures. This gave me the opportunity to get to know my professors and classmates better. The smaller class sizes also encouraged me to participate more, which helped me develop greater confidence speaking in another language.
How valuable were your out-of-classroom experiences? How did they add to your undergraduate experience/coursework?
I participated in the student organization, BRIDGE. In BRIDGE, I had the opportunity to meet international students from various countries, which was a great way to learn about cultures different from my own. This experience increased my appreciation for different languages and customs and inspired me to seek out international experiences.
I did not study abroad while at UW but I did go abroad after graduating. If I could do my undergraduate experience again, I definitely would want to study abroad.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
After graduating from UW-Madison, I taught English abroad in Spain for several months. This experience was a great way to use my Spanish, and it inspired me to go back to school to get a degree in teaching. I graduated with a Masters in the Art of Teaching in 2019 and became a high school Spanish teacher. In 2021, I also became TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certified and started teaching English online to students from all over the world.
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
Studying Spanish has definitely helped me become a teacher. I cannot see myself teaching any subject other than Spanish. I love just how engaging it is and rewarding to see students progress towards their own language goals. Studying Spanish has also helped me be a better English instructor. Many of my students are nervous to speak English, which is a feeling with which I can relate. This helps me put myself in their shoes and also helps them feel more relaxed. Having a background in Spanish also helps me better understand the structure of the languages my students speak and helps me anticipate common mistakes.
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
Since graduation, I have made a concerted effort to maintain and improve my Spanish. When I can, I try to travel to Spanish speaking places. I also work with a tutor one-on-one, watch series and movies, listen to podcasts, and read books. I really incorporate it as much as possible into my life.
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
My advice would be to find media you enjoy in the language you are studying. There are so many good podcasts, shows, and things to read about various topics in so many languages. It is easier to learn a language when the content is interesting or relevant to your life.