My return to being a student began with flashbacks of my undergrad years; but as I stepped into my new school I realized this experience would be nothing like UC Davis. The Queretaro Language School consists of one small building, maybe fifteen students, and a number of part-time teachers. I am enrolled in the intensive language program which consists of five hours of course work each day. I have three teachers, all of which are women under the age of thirty. My "classroom" is located on the outdoor patio and is surrounded by many plants and flowers which provide a colorful backdrop. My teachers and I share a small table and an umbrella which provides shade but does little to protect us from the morning winds. I love feeling the brisk air as I learn but being outdoors exposes me to noise from passing students and cars. During my classes I read articles and discuss them with my teachers; I review grammar and do a lot of exercises to reinforce what I am taught; I converse with my teachers about various topics; and twice I spent my class time learning in a near by market and museum.
Without doubt my Spanish has progressed since my arrival but I have often been frustrated with the difficulty I have had learning the language. As I left the United States I was overly optimistic. After one week of coursework I have realized it is impossible to become fluent in five weeks. I accept that I will not return to Sacramento speaking fluently but I know I will come back with a stronger command of the Spanish language. Regardless of my fragile confidence with Spanish, I know I have made great improvements. I cannot communicate the way I would like but I have another month to continue improving. Coming to terms with the reality has allowed me to develop achievable goals. These goals give me comfort and a positive attitude. I will come back speaking Spanish and after my return I will continue working towards fluency. As I have come to describe my progress towards my ultimate goal, "poco a poco."
No comments:
Post a Comment