TEC Student of the Month Award

Possessing a infectiously sunny attitude, Ann approaches perfecting her Spanish skills with inexhaustible determination and curiosity. Her story is an inspiring one: after a decades-long career as a successful engineer, she decided she wanted to shift gears and do something that would give back to the community and particularly help Spanish-speaking youth. She chose the field of education and this year has been learning the ropes of public schooling as a tutor in math and science for students who are not native English-speakers. Open and honest, Ann’s willingness to share anecdotes and opinions in the name of Spanish practice contribute to making class a deeper and more enriching experience for all. We honor Ann and people like her who feel so called to a particular mission that they take risks and make sacrifices to make it happen.

A committed student with a stellar attitude, Cole’s presence charges the classroom with positive vibes. A pastor at a local church, he was inspired to acquire Spanish language skills by the desire to communicate and connect with Spanish-speaking congregants and neighbors. A fan of our twice-weekly intensive courses, he has impressively advanced from the Beginner 3 level to High Intermediate courses in less than one year of classes at Tierra. Cole’s creative approach to learning has manifested itself in countless ways, from instructing his classmates how to decorate calaveras for Día de Muertos (when they were practicing giving commands) to composing and performing a rap about the process of learning Spanish with his teacher and classmates. This New Year we want to express our gratitude to Cole and to all of our students for you are the lifeblood of the school who make Tierra a dynamic and stimulating community!

With a broad smile and seemingly limitless enthusiasm for learning, Marissa brings positive energy and constructive focus to the classroom. An adventurous spirit whose travels have led her around the world, her genuine desire to communicate with the locals she encountered in Spanish-speaking countries was the impetus that sparked her dedication to develop her Spanish skills. In her professional life, Marissa works to restore and maintain natural areas along the Willamette River, and her passion and concern for the environment and world around her shine through in thought-provoking classroom conversations. A committed student who clearly enjoys diving into the depths of Spanish structure, her natural sense of humor perfectly balances her resolute drive. Through her open and meaningful contributions in Spanish class, Marissa reminds us that language is what connects people and every moment is an opportunity to share and learn from one another.