Falling in Love with Spanish: My Journey

My journey with Spanish began during my first year at university when I enrolled in the BA Languages program. At that time, my plan was to specialize in Journalism for my postgraduate degree, so I chose Afrikaans and English as my core languages. However, my degree also required me to take a third language course. I contemplated studying an African language like isiZulu or Sepedi, as I had intended to stay in South Africa.

During the first-year camp, I had the opportunity to interact with senior students in my field of study. Among them was a third-year BA Languages student who caught my attention. She shared her experiences and praised the excellent Spanish Section at UP. Her words sparked my curiosity, and I decided to take Spanish for fun, initially planning to study it for just one year.

To my surprise, I quickly fell in love with the language and its culture. The native Spanish-speaking lecturers were passionate about their subject and inspired me with their teaching. Even when the pandemic forced us into online learning in 2020, the encouragement and professionalism of my Spanish lecturers turned it into a rewarding experience. I eagerly anticipated the online Spanish classes each morning and couldn't wait to return to campus when the lockdown ended. This passion for Spanish led me to continue studying it throughout my university journey, eventually reaching my third year.

Now, as I near the completion of my PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education) at UP, I am delighted to have been appointed as a tutor for second-year Spanish students. The dedication of my Spanish lecturers and the experience I gained through this language opened doors that I never imagined. Recently, I applied for a position as an English Language Assistant in Spain, and I was fortunate enough to secure the job. Undoubtedly, the reference letter written by my Spanish lecturer played a crucial role in landing me a second interview.

In 2024, I will travel all the way to Spain to work in a school alongside a teacher, helping learners with their English skills. I am thrilled about this opportunity as it will allow me to immerse myself in the rich Spanish culture while living with a host family. Learning a foreign language truly broadens horizons and unveils new opportunities. Upon looking back, I am amazed at how far I've come, and I owe my gratitude to the supportive Spanish lecturers at UP who believed in me and boosted my self-confidence.

If you're contemplating studying Spanish or any other language in the Ancient and Modern Language Department, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. It could be the start of a life-changing journey just like mine.