February 2013 - Gretchen Mollers

Excited about learning and eager to advance, Gretchen has thrown herself into studying Spanish wholeheartedly and her extraordinary effort has paid off as she’s made impressive progress in her time at Tierra.  A teacher who helps at-risk youth to become engaged in their education and finish high school, she is motivated to study Spanish by her commitment to serve her students and communicate more effectively with their families. “Over the years I've observed how Hispanic/Latino families can be underserved by the traditional school system, and I'm constantly trying to support them in better ways.  For me, learning Spanish is part of that process,” she relates. We at Tierra salute Gretchen and her colleagues in the education field who go beyond what’s required of them in their quest to connect with their students and guide them to success.

Name: Gretchen Mollers
Occupation: Teacher
Time Studying at Tierra: One year

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"For several reasons: many of my students' parents speak Spanish, and I'd like to be able to communicate more directly with them.  I think Spanish is an incredibly important language to know, both within and outside of the U.S's boundaries.  Also, I like learning!"

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

"Definitely the small size of the classes, the dedication of my fellow students, and the excellence of the teachers."

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

"When I meet with students and their parents I can understand a lot of what they say and better respond to questions and concerns they have.  In general, I'm able to pick out more words and phrases in my daily life, which has opened up a whole new level of understanding of the world around me that I hadn't known before."

Felicidades Gretchen!!