I began learning Spanish in 7th grade and I have to be honest, I was terrified to be in the class. I never really spoke the language until I moved to Spain and was selected to study at a University there at 19 years old. I could have never imagined how such a choice has shaped much of the rest of my life. I remember the exact moment…

I could not tell you why I left the group that particular day, but curiosity struck my heart. As I meandered the crooked cobblestone streets of Trujillo, Spain, a soft smile spread across my face; the kind of smile that comes from a combination of confidence and excitement, eager to see what was around each bend in the road. In the middle of my path stood an elderly woman accompanied by a cow that hugged her side. As I slowly approached, it took only a nod and a smile before she began to speak. Her humble home stood strong behind her teary eyes as she candidly shared her life story with me, a complete stranger. Her smile was undaunted by her missing teeth. The beauty of her spirit and this simple, yet extraordinarily vivid interaction captivated me. While I listened to the R’s roll off her tongue like a song, she beamed with love and strength as she described the recent passing of her husband and how she lived each day caring for her beloved cow who faithfully and patiently waited at her side. 

During this brief, but serendipitous moment, she opened the door of her world and allowed me inside to experience it. To a passerby, the encounter may appear as a simple, almost meaningless communication, but it is a moment that will forever be ingrained in my mind. I was standing in the middle of her path to listen and she was standing in the middle of mine to share. This beautiful old woman has become a daily reminder of why I became a language teacher, why I believe in compassionate listening, and why I believe that life is a bundle of little moments that we must pause and enjoy. 

Teaching language is more to me than just putting words together to create meaning. It is an experience that allows for acceptance, compassion and perspective to flourish. These simple, yet authentic and meaningful interactions are the foundation for language learning. This is what I hope to instill in my learners, fostering an environment for them to genuinely experience language and culture in order to have a greater appreciation for others, gain perspective, exhibit growth mindset and ultimately be more accepting and loving human beings.  

Profe Ama