August 2014 - Laurel Schaffer

With a  sparkle in her eye and all but permanent smile, Laurel’s kind and inclusive nature helps create a positive and comfortable atmosphere in any class she joins. Passionate about her Spanish studies, she is motivated both by the desire to be able to communicate with her Spanish-speaking patients as a nurse and by her fascination with Latin American, and particularly Mexican, culture and dream of living abroad. Having learned Italian fluently before beginning to learn Spanish, her quick progress demonstrates how useful knowledge of other languages is in studying Spanish. With her great sense of humor and can-do attitude, Laurel reminds us that being willing to speak imperfectly and enjoy the learning process are key to achieving success.
 

Name: Laurel Schaffer
Occupation: Nurse
Time Studying at Tierra: Since Spring 2013

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"I lived in Italy for four years and was fluent in Italian.  I would love to become fluent in Spanish now to have more than superficial conversations with my patients and in my travels like I did in Italy.  Simply put, learning Spanish and working towards becoming fluent makes me very happy."

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

"I love studying spanish at Tierra because the classes are always fun and put me in a good mood.  I've had Cecy and Norberto as teachers and they are both awesome!  I've found the classes to be just the right pace, casual, informative, supportive.  I was surprised how much I enjoyed the short story class and now I have some Spanish fiction books to read."

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

"Recently I had the opportunity to use my Spanish in Mazatlan during Semana Santa when the resort was full of vacationing Mexicans having family reunions.  Also, I've been able to converse somewhat with my Spanish-speaking patients at Kaiser where I work as a RN.  I have a few Spanish-speaking girlfriends who also love Mexico, and we plan on someday living there for at least part of the year. This photo was taken in Mazatlan."

¡Felicidades Laurel!