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April 2019 - Diane Sayrizi

With an air of sweetness and good will, Diane is a delight to be around and brightens any class she’s in. Retired from her career as an arts and dance educator, she has that spark of curiosity characteristic of people who envision learning as a lifetime endeavor. She now harnesses this passion for learning and culture to work towards her goal of becoming fluent in Spanish. An enthusiastic traveler, she is motivated in part to be able to have authentic conversations with people she encounters on trips to Mexico and Latin America. Interested in many cultures, she is also busy exploring her own origins, learning Japanese and enjoying the flower arranging tradition “Ikebana”. One would be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated student - she takes her Spanish studies seriously and is a warm and supportive classmate. We are grateful to have Diane in our community at Tierra and look forward to continuing to see her abilities blossom.

Name:  Diane Sayrizi
Occupation:  Retired from Los Angeles Unified School District.  I was a teacher at a performing arts school then Secondary Dance Expert for the district.
Time studying at Tierra:  Since summer of 2017

1) Why are you studying Spanish? 

"I have always wanted to learn Spanish; I think that it's a very useful and beautiful second language to know.  Studying Spanish also teaches you about the culture and history and becomes so much more than just the language.  I would also like to do more traveling throughout Mexico and South America and having the ability to converse in Spanish would enrich and broaden the experience. Although I will always need my Spanish dictionary, I hope that one day I will be able to speak fluidly!"

2) What is your favorite part about your experience here at Tierra? 
 
"There are many reasons I enjoy studying Spanish at Tierra: The small class size, the teachers who create an encouraging and comfortable atmosphere, the guided curriculum, and the opportunity to meet other like minded students.  I also appreciate that there are no tests or grades!"

3) Can you tell us of a time you have been able to use what you have learned studying here?

"My studies at Tierra have opened new opportunities. On a recent trip to Mexico, I wandered into a small museum where I was graciously greeted by a guide. He offered to lead me through the exhibit and I was happy to accept.  The entire tour was in Spanish and thankfully, he didn't speak too rapidly!  I was able to understand and enjoy this experience because I'd studied the language!  That special tour was a memorable reminder of why I study Spanish!"

¡Felicidades Diane!