TEC Student of the Month Award

Bright-eyed and filled with enthusiasm, Bethany approaches learning the Spanish language with focus and delight. Having started out at Tierra in Beginner 1, she’s shown incredible dedication to pursuing her fluency goals. Inquisitive and thorough, Bethany always ensures she understands the material being taught and asks opportune questions which help the whole class digest the concepts studied.  In her work at a school for deaf children, she’s taken advantage of her new language skills to engage and get to know Spanish-speaking parents. Making swift progress, she demonstrates that having a great attitude and serious motivation are the true keys to success! We wish Bethany, as well as all local educators and youth, a very Happy Summer Break! Click here for a profile on this exemplary student.

With a serious work ethic, generous heart, and playful sense of humor, Deb has made a big impression on Tierra instructors and on her classmates. She’s built her Spanish skills from square one with exceptional dedication, coupling her excellent attendance in class with several hours of weekly study at home. Kind and supportive, Deb seems to relish the community-building aspect of group classes and contributes to creating a safe place for learning and speaking imperfectly. She cheerfully takes advantage of every opportunity to practice, of late chatting up her co-workers at the produce market she manages and excitedly planning her upcoming trip to Costa Rica. We’re inspired by the way Deb makes everyone around her feel special and works hard to achieve her goals - we wish her happy travels! Click here for a profile on this explemplary student.

Exuding enthusiasm for learning Spanish, Mia’s infinitely positive attitude has paved her path towards proficiency with progress and many laughs. So strong is her motivation to learn and practice speaking Spanish, when she did not find a good place to practice in Eugene (where she lives) she created a Spanish Conversation group through the social website Meetup.com and co-organizes two weekly gatherings. Her eagerness to communicate in Spanish combined with her inquisitive nature make her an ideal classmate: she asks the questions everyone has on their mind and keeps the mood lively. Having made great strides in her time studying at Tierra, Mia is on the brink of turning her dreams of travel into reality! We congratulate Mia for her initiative and commitment and look forward to hearing about her future exploits!