chrisfix15

[chrisfix15]

Spanish: A Language Beyond Words

“Ay dios mio” I say with a smirk, a remark meaning “oh my god” in English, a phrase I’ve picked up that always garners a laugh from my girlfriend’s mother. There was a time when Spanish felt like an impenetrable wall, seeming like a way for people to talk around me. I’d watch in awe as people would seamlessly switch between languages, their words weaving together like a dance I had not yet learned the steps to. Spanish didn’t play a role in my life until late middle school where I took my first introductory Spanish class. Before that, I was nothing more than an observer of a world rich in culture and history. When I enrolled in Spanish, I unknowingly set myself on a path that would lead to new friendships, the trip of a lifetime, and a second family.

I truly became invested in learning Spanish during my sophomore and junior years of high school. I owe it all to one person - Mrs. Robinson. She wasn’t just a teacher - she was a force of positive energy, the kind of person that made you want to go to class. As she was our school’s girls volleyball coach, she carried that same spunky, competitive spirit into the classroom. My parents, who had met her several times throughout my 4 years of high school, described her as “the funny one.” More than just a teacher she became someone I could talk to. She made class feel like one giant inside joke, a shared experience rather than an obligation. I wasn’t just learning Spanish for a grade anymore - I was learning it because it was fun. Because it made me feel connected. 

It was Mrs. Robinson who also introduced me to one of the fondest memories of my life: a spring break trip to Costa Rica. The months leading up to it were filled with meetings, packing lists, and constant excitement. The idea of staying with a host family - something that had initially seemed intimidating - soon became the aspect of the trip I looked forward to the most. The trip itself was a whirlwind of adventure and cultural immersion. We hiked through rainforests, ziplined through mountains, swam in hot springs, and explored markets bustling with people. This trip wasn’t just about the sights and sounds - it was about the people. Our host family welcomed us with open arms.

They weren’t much different from my own family - two loving parents, siblings, pets - but in a sense were so different from my family. My friend and I spent each evening sitting around the dinner table, stumbling through Spanish conversations that became more fluid as the week passed. What was awkward stuttering at first, turned into a room full of laughter. There was an understanding. One of my favorite memories was celebrating the host mother’s birthday. The house came alive with music, laughter, and the smell of home-cooked food. For the first time, Spanish wasn’t just a subject - it was the language of joy, community, and connection

Since dating my girlfriend, Spanish has become even more intertwined with my life. At first it had that same initial awkwardness I had with my host family - the nervousness of being surrounded by a language I didn’t fully understand. But with time, I found my place. I’ve attended countless family parties, church events, and birthday celebrations, each one more familiar than the last. I used to be an outsider, merely watching and listening. Now, when I’m not at an event, her friends and family ask my girlfriend where I am. That, more than anything, makes me feel like I truly belong. It's that connection with her family that presents such a bright future together with her. I look forward to a future of our heritage mixing. My proudest achievement isn’t just learning a new language - it’s becoming a part of something bigger than myself.

Learning Spanish has brought so many opportunities my way. If I hadn’t taken Spanish, I never would have met my girlfriend, who used to stop by my classroom before class to chat with my teacher. It’s surreal how much a single decision such as taking a language class can shape a life. As I look into my future, I know that Spanish will always be part of me. As an aspiring engineer, I hope to use my language skills to connect with people around the world. I hope to start a bilingual family with my girlfriend, continuing my appreciation and curiosity with the language. Beyond that, I see Spanish as more than just a language, it’s a path that opens me to new cultures, experiences, and relationships. There was a time when I could only appreciate people’s bilingual ability. Now, I’m in the middle of conversation, making jokes at family gatherings, finding myself on the dance floor at a quinceañera, and dreaming of a future where my own heritage is mixed with another. Language isn’t just about words. It’s about belonging.

[chrisfix15]

My Passion For Language

I always knew I wanted to take a second language in high school, the most obvious option was Spanish. The high school I went to didn’t offer many language options, there was German and Spanish but even from a quick glance you could see there was a lot less interest in taking German. Spanish has always been a language I thought is important to learn to some extent - being the third most popular language in the world - it would be an excellent form of communicating with people outside my small bubble. I had taken Spanish in eighth grade and it piqued my interest for more than the language, the culture also fascinated me.

Although Spanish before high school was elementary knowledge, I still felt that I was doing my part in trying to make myself more personable by learning to communicate with people outside my community.