While studying in Toledo, Spain, through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I had my first taste of the stress that comes from living in a foreign language and culture, with every day being a fight to understand and be understood. The experience changed me in two fundamental ways: It motivated me to continue studying Spanish, and it turned my attention to the similar, yet often more severe struggles of many immigrants in Nebraska. After returning to Lincoln, I volunteered as an interpreter for a free health clinic, where I helped a Mexican native. What began as a conversation exchange turned into a close friendship and, eventually, into a successful fight for legal residency, as I accompanied my friend on court visits, translated documents and wrote letters on their behalf. Our story even became a part of a university student’s senior video project about immigration in Nebraska.

I returned to Spain after graduation as a language assistant, and for three years I worked in bilingual schools, honing my abilities to adapt and problem-solve in a variety of classroom contexts. I then spent an additional two years in academies, teaching English to everyone from preschoolers to business directors. I also took advanced Spanish classes and obtained a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) with a grade of Pass B, awarded to candidates who show above average understanding of learning and teaching—approximately 20-25% of candidates worldwide. During my time in Spain I was also able to travel extensively throughout Europe and Africa, visiting 14 countries in all—a few of which you can see displayed on my site.

Between my return home to Nebraska and my move out to California to start my MA, I utilized both my Spanish and teaching skills as a substitute teacher in a heavily Hispanic, low-income school district. In three months I taught in 12 different schools, from preschool to high school, and it sparked an interest in helping make sure underrepresented populations have international opportunities. I know my time at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies will prepare me to enact precisely that sort of change in international education.