Learning a new language is always an exciting challenge, and for 2025, one of my biggest goals is to become fluent in Spanish. As someone who dreams of speaking multiple languages, I’ve dabbled in Japanese before, but Spanish has become a more immediate priority for me—and for good reasons!
Why Spanish?
Living in Florida, I’m surrounded by Spanish speakers. Many of my friends and coworkers speak Spanish, and it’s a language I encounter daily. It’s also tied to my family. My grandma is from Roatán, an island off Honduras, and while she didn’t speak Spanish herself, some of my extended family does. It feels meaningful to connect with this part of my heritage, and I’ve realized it’s a language I can use actively in my life.
My previous attempts at language learning, like Japanese, taught me about structure and dedication, but I never had the chance to truly immerse myself. With Spanish, I know I can engage in real conversations and break language barriers I’ve encountered in the past.
Starting from Scratch (Almost)
I had a bit of Spanish exposure in high school, but as they say: "use it or lose it." I lost most of it! There were phrases and words that stuck with me, but without regular practice, they faded. Now, I’m re-approaching Spanish as an adult with a renewed focus and tools to help me succeed.
My Secret Weapon: AmazingTalker
One of the best resources I’ve found for learning Spanish (and previously for Japanese) is AmazingTalker. It’s a platform where you can connect with tutors at affordable rates. For example, I paid $40 for 10 beginner classes, each lasting 25 minutes. My tutor even suggested combining two classes into a single hour, which makes the learning experience more immersive.
What I love about AmazingTalker is the trial class option. You get to meet your tutor, see how well you vibe with them, and decide if they’re a good fit before committing. My current tutor has been fantastic—encouraging and patient. But even with a tutor, you still need to put in the work outside of class.
Practice, Practice, Practice
One of my friends challenged me to watch Disney’s Hercules in Spanish without subtitles. It’s a daunting but exciting goal, and it highlights the importance of immersing yourself in the language. Beyond my classes, I’m exploring Spanish music, breaking down lyrics to understand them better. A good example is comparing translations of songs like Accidentally in Love.
English: "So she said, what's the problem, baby?"
Spanish: "Ella dijo, ¿qué problemas tienes?" (Translated back: "She said, what problem do you have?")
The phrasing is different, but the essence remains the same. It’s a fascinating insight into how language adapts meaning while staying true to its intent.
Goals for 2025
By mid-2025, I hope to:
Read simple Spanish books (Dr. Seuss, anyone?).
Watch Spanish shows or movies without subtitles.
Carry conversations with friends about everyday topics.
Understand and enjoy Spanish songs without needing translations.
Eventually, I’d love to translate parts of my writing into Spanish, though that’s a long-term goal. For now, I’m focused on building a strong foundation and making consistent progress.
Final Thoughts
Learning Spanish is more than just a skill; it’s a way to connect with people, culture, and even my own history. If you’re considering learning a language, I highly recommend finding a tutor through platforms like AmazingTalker. At the end of the day, the journey is as rewarding as the destination.
Thanks for reading! If you’re on your own language-learning journey, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s grow together!
— Jab Wocky
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