How I did it: I whined and suffered and complained to anyone who would listen. 

But aside from that I just made the time in my life (most weeks) for a lot of studying.  I also had to do homework assignments, workbook assignments, and an oral presentation.  I started the oral presentation a few weeks before it was due so I wouldn't be working on it all at the last minute and then I had the free tutoring service at the college look it over.  We had to do our oral presentation from memory so I practiced a lot. 

Lessons & tips: If you are struggling with learning a new  language, be patient with yourself.  Everyone learns at different speeds.  There was a woman in my class who just seemed to pick everything up so easily.  She was always the first person done with tests and her oral presentation was by far the best in the class. 

Other things in life come easy to me, but NOT learning a foreign language.  But I plugged along and kept at it and didn't beat myself up for being slower. 

Just try your best and speak up in class, even if you make mistakes!  Every Spanish Teacher I've ever had gives points for participation. 

Resources: flashcards, lots and lots of flashcards
people who are willing to quiz you (it's actually kind of fun to watch them stumble over the Spanish words, makes you feel smart)

See if your college has a help center - it was a great resource for me!  And my teacher even gave extra credit for going!  Free help + extra points= can't lose situation!

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Dec 09, 2008, 08:33AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer