TEC Student of the Month Award

Spunky and fun, Candace’s refreshing approach to life and language learning boosts the spirits of everyone around her. Her tremendous dedication and commitment have paid off as she’s taken leaps and bounds in her Spanish abilities in under two years. Having completed her university studies in German, Candace’s appreciation of language and culture runs deep and she relishes opportunities to attend concerts, plays, and other cultural events in Spanish. The versatility she’s gained by wearing many hats in her professional life and exploring a wide range of interests from gardening and vegan baking to playing the piano surely informs her supportive attitude as a classmate. We’re grateful to count Candace as part of our community at Tierra!

With joyful determination, Mary Ellen has transformed herself into a Spanish speaker in just under two years! Having started out in our Beginner 1 course, her incredible drive has fueled her swift progress which is an inspiration to classmates and instructors alike. Her passion for learning is contagious, as is her kindness, generosity, and infinite patience, attributes which help to create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere in any class she joins. Since beginning her studies, she’s had the opportunity to travel to Spain and Mexico and to volunteer in Nicaragua, milking her experiences abroad to the fullest in her pursuit of authentic connection and deep cultural understanding. We are grateful for Mary Ellen’s continued dedication to her Spanish learning journey and look forward to continuing to watch her achieve her lofty goals.

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.