I was born in beautiful Los Angeles, California to bilingual parents but grew up speaking only ENGLISH and had no desire to learn a foreign language. During the summer of 2010, I studied abroad for the first time and lived in Florence, Italy. The experience changed my life. It taught me the importance culture, language, and communication. I came back knowing that I wanted to become fluent in Italian, Spanish, and eventually Japanese. That fall I took Italian 101 and applied to transfer to four different CSU’s. In the spring I took Italian 102 and began Spanish 101. When I found out that I was admitted into CSU Monterey Bay I knew that it was the right school for me, and my acceptance letters from other schools did not matter. CSUMB just felt right in my heart. CSUMB does not offer an Italian major so I decided to go with Spanish. Unfortunately when I met with my ADVISER for the first time I realized my level was extremely low.
I spent the following summer taking Spanish 102 and the rest of the year playing catch up and taking mostly classes for my minor. I was also able to work with students in a Hispanic community. I will never forget how baffled I was while trying to explain mathematical equations in Spanish for the first time to a student who had just arrived from Mexico. But somehow we managed to bridge a form of communication; and it worked. Before this experience I had been able to think in Spanish and that kept me motivated to continue learning the language. But now I was truly able to communicate and this pushed me to continue forward. I spent the summer of 2012 studying abroad again; this time in San Sebastian Spain. I came back from the experience with a greater understanding of the Spanish language and cultURE.
We live in a global community and therefore the ability to speak multiple languages is becoming ever increasingly important. My work experience has been incredibly valuable because not only am I able to practice my Spanish, but I am also able to help students with their English learning process. pAIRING THAT WITH MY COURSES AT CSUMB HAS GREATLY INCREASED MY SPANISH COMPREHENSION AND SPEAKING SKILLS. IN THE FUTURE I PLAN TO TEACH ENGLISH ABROAD .