I have learned to speak Spanish. I started out by practicing with my friends who spoke Spanglish, then started taking a community college course when I was 18. My professor was from Puerto Rico, and he helped us to laugh and enjoy learning a new language, as well as learning about Spain and Latin America. I joined the LAFSA club and went to a few meetings and events. Hey, every little bit helps. I continued to study books, poetry, and speak with friends who are fluent in Spanish. I went to Mexico in 2005 and that was a good immersion experience, so that I could learn about Central Mexico’s culture, people, and language. Understanding Spanish helps me out every day, because our country is so multi-lingual. It’s just a fact of life at this point!