March 2011 - Lyle Brown

A fortuitous combination of serious drive and natural ability have allowed Lyle to learn to speak Spanish at a break-neck pace. Thanks to his logical approach and meticulous study habits, he often offers insight into perplexing grammar rules and his contributions help all the students in his class to understand. Keenly interested in communication and dialogue, Lyle exhausts the possibilities for "intercambios", taking every opportunity to practice Spanish and build relationships here in Portland as well as abroad in Mexico. Lyle manages to balance hard work with good fun and milk his Spanish studies to the fullest.

Name: Lyle Brown
Occupation: Software Engineer
Time Studying at Tierra: Over a year

1) Why are you studying Spanish?
"I started reading children's books in Spanish one day, and found it fun to try to understand the words. I just continued it because it was a challenge, and for some reason I got very serious about learning Spanish."

2) What is your favorite part about your experience here at Tierra?
" I've found the most helpful thing a Spanish teacher can do, is speak Spanish nearly 100% of the time. Norberto has done a great job with this, and every lesson I take I learn more, and think more in Spanish."

3) Can you tell us of a time you have been able to use what you have learned studying here?
" I went to Guadalajara once to visit Intel Guadalajara, and I loved being immersed in the Spanish environment. My colleagues there took me to lunch every day and spoke Spanish with me to help me improve. I also had many opportunities to speak more at the airport, etc. I enjoyed it so much, I later returned to Guadalajara to take two weeks of Spanish classes.

Another funny incident was when leaving the airplane in Los Angeles, where the stewardess accused me (in Spanish) of stealing the airplane's magazine and I looked down at my magazine in my hand and said instinctually -Es mio-"

Congratulations Lyle!!