The days I will never forget

Posted on August 02, 2021

I still remember my first time walking into the Spanish class – I was thrilled, yet anxious for my journey ahead and now that I look back, I am so proud of myself for all the hard work I have put in and the invaluable lessons that I have learnt, so much so, that I would not change anything of my entire Spanish journey. 

I am privileged to have had the opportunity to experience an entire year as a “normal” student and an entire year as an online student.  The difference between the two years is enormous.  At home some of us have the luxury of studying somewhere quiet and continuing with our lives as if nothing has happened.  On the other hand, there are other students, who have to attend to more serious matters at home, while making sure that their studies don’t become a part-time job.

When learning a language, human interaction is the key to success and the best way to practice what you have learned. A robot cannot replace a human and for that reason, online learning has made my Spanish journey a more challenging one.  With no contact classes, no classmates or professor to practice with face-to-face, I had to adapt by teaching myself new ways to stay motivated and to keep practicing in a similar way to when I was on campus.  

There has not been a single day that I have regretted going onto the Spanish website of the University, because after reading that inspiring paragraph of how this one-of-a-kind language can change my life, my life has never been the same ever since. 

If you want to learn a foreign language, I highly recommend taking Spanish, not only because it sounds incredible and has invaluable worth for your future, but by taking it, you will give yourself the opportunity to a brand new life where comfort zones don’t exist. 

- Author Carmari Marais

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

To contact the University during the COVID-19 lockdown, please send an email to [email protected]

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences