September 2015 - Shawn Barkdull

Through impressive devotion to her twice-weekly Spanish classes, Shawn has made astounding progress in under a year. Inspired to learn the language by her love of travel, crossing Spain from north to south fired up her passion to study Spanish and she's since enjoyed practicing her burgeoning skills on a trip to Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca. With a quick wit and kind heart, Shawn is a gem of student, helping to stimulate real, intelligent conversation in Spanish and create a supportive atmosphere where it's safe to make mistakes. We look forward to seeing Shawn continue to zoom toward fluency and explore all the foreign lands she can dream of.

Name: Shawn Barkdull
Occupation: Graphic Designer
Time Studying at Tierra: I've been studying at Tierra since Fall 2014.

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"While I traveled around Spain in October 2013, I understood some of what the locals were saying, but wasn't able to communicate very well. I know I want to travel to Spain again, and there are numerous countries in Central and South America I want to see. Knowing the language will enhance future trips."

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

"There are so many great things about Tierra - small classes with instant feedback, super patient instructors, and a curriculum that's engaging and challenging." 

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

"I spent two weeks in Mexico in the spring. It was a great opportunity to use skills from the beginner course. For example, my boyfriend set down a piece of artwork while we were at a small airport. While he looked around for it and I stayed with our belongings, I was able to tell the woman at the airline desk that we'd lost some art and ask if she'd seen it. She instantly pulled it from behind the desk. That is just one of many ways I was able to use it during the vacation."

¡Felicidades Shawn!