July 2012 - Tom Carter

Passionately committed to service work in Latin America, Tom’s enthusiasm for learning and sense of purpose infuses the classes he joins with positive, joyful energy. After experiencing volunteer trips with medical associations, he founded a non-profit NGO “Agua Pura Para El Pueblo”, dedicated to promoting simple, small-scale methods to help communities and families obtain safe, clean drinking water and improve sanitation. He and his wife Susan frequently travel to Mexico with the organization, where they can be found this month working on projects in Mexico City, Chiapas, and Oaxaca. Tom’s innate curiosity and natural optimism make him an exceptional student of Spanish and Latin American culture, always seeking to expand his ability to communicate with and understand the diverse communities south of our border.

Name: Tom Carter
Occupation: Retired Chemist/ Medical Researcher
Time Studying at Tierra: 3 years

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"I first started learning Spanish 50 years ago in the Peace Corps in Peru.  Over the years I have always been interested in Latin America and made several trips to Mexico.  When I retired from working in the medical laboratory my wife and I started volunteering with Medical Teams International on service projects and that motivated me to relearn and improve my Spanish."

2) What is your favorite part about your experience here at Tierra?

"I've been studying at Tierra now for over three years and really enjoy the classes and instructors.  Being with other motivated students also encourages me to study and learn more."

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

"Now when we go on our service trips I can give instructional talks about our work completely in Spanish, sometimes even in the subjunctive!

Congratulations Tom!!