April 2015 - Deb Federici

With a serious work ethic, generous heart, and playful sense of humor, Deb has made a big impression on Tierra instructors and on her classmates. She’s built her Spanish skills from square one with exceptional dedication, coupling her excellent attendance in class with several hours of weekly study at home. Kind and supportive, Deb seems to relish the community-building aspect of group classes and contributes to creating a safe place for learning and speaking imperfectly. She cheerfully takes advantage of every opportunity to practice, of late chatting up her co-workers at the produce market she manages and excitedly planning her upcoming trip to Costa Rica. We’re inspired by the way Deb makes everyone around her feel special and works hard to achieve her goals - we wish her happy travels! Click here for a profile on this explemplary student.

Name: Deb Federici
Occupation:  Manager, "The Barn" (seasonal local produce market on NE 148th between Marine Drive and Airport Way. We are open June 1 through Thanksgiving-- come see me!)
Time Studying at Tierra: 20 months, but it feels like 6!

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"I love people.  I love to get immersed in learning about different cultures, and above all, I want to be able to communicate with people.  I spoke great "menu Spanish", but that provided only an entrée (pun intended) to communicating with members of the Hispanic communities to whom I was introduced. Everyone talks about food, right?

My employer at the time, US Bank, agreed it was important for me to be able to connect with Spanish-speaking business owners, so I did my research and started taking classes at Tierra. My time at Tierra has been fantastic! While I was timid trying to use my Spanish, I received a lot of encouragement from my customers. I retired from banking last October and started my Encore Career managing the greatest local produce market in the Portland area for a 3rd generation farming family, the Trapolds. Now, instead of small business owners, I converse with my compañeros de trabajo. They are very patient with me, and correct my errors. How great is that?"

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

"Developing relationships and camaraderie with teachers and fellow students. It becomes a very comfortable and safe place to let yourself be vulnerable and make mistakes-- you are among friends who sincerely want to help you get better."

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

"Oops-- I already did that in #1 above.  Additionally, we want to spend extended vacations in  Spanish-speaking countries--in fact, we are going to Costa Rica in a few weeks and will get to start practicing!"

¡Felicidades Deb!