Language Learning
Spanish has always been a language that has fascinated me. I started learning Spanish in sixth grade, through my classes in the International Baccalaureate program. I immediately connected with the language and wanted to become fluent, not only so that it would be useful in a future career, but also because I would be able to use it while traveling and just in everyday life whenever I have the chance. I took Spanish classes every year until college, and once at the University of Florida, I started taking intermediate Spanish classes before moving in the upper level classes. Once in Spain, I also took classes not only to further develop my writing and speaking abilities, but also to develop my knowledge of Spanish in the business world (which was useful as a Marketing major) and in Spanish art and culture.
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Beyond my academic experiences, I love to consume Spanish Language music and TV/film. I love listening to Reggaeton, Bachata, and so much more. I also love watching movies and TV in Spanish, because not only do they help me practice understanding Spanish, but I am able to gain insight into the different Hispanic cultures as well.
Language
Acquisition
During my study abroad experience in Madrid, Spain, I immersed myself in the Spanish language more than ever before. I spoke the language with natives everywhere and anywhere, so much to the point that it was weird to not speak Spanish when I was visiting another country or talking to my friends and family back at home. I had never felt more fluent in Spanish or more confident when speaking it. Studying abroad was a critical factor in me developing my language skills to take them to the next level.
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Overall, my knowledge and abilities with speaking Spanish have completely transformed from where I first started. Spanish has become an important second language to me, and I am able to use it whenever I go somewhere and I need to apply it, as well as for understanding Spanish song lyrics or lines. I hope to continue to develop my Spanish skills even more as I continue to travel and learn, and one day become as bilingual as a native speaker in the language.