December 2013 - Julie Pietila

Warm and generous, Julie (“Julia”) brims with enthusiasm for learning Spanish and takes every opportunity to use her burgeoning skills and connect with Spanish speakers and learners of all walks of life. She is a dedicated and hard-working student with a special interest in deepening her knowledge of Latin American culture, and her travels have only whetted her thirst for discovering new places and peoples. Innately sociable and driven to practice, she not only frequently attends Tierra’s conversation nights and fiestas but also hosts her own bi-weekly Spanish conversation events, offering her home to friends and classmates as a special venue in which to get to know one another and exercise their speaking skills. We congratulate Julie for her boundlessly positive attitude and proactive determination, and feel lucky to count her as part of our community at Tierra!
 

Name: Julie "Julia" Pietila
Occupation: Manage our family-owned small business.
Time Studying at Tierra:  Since April 2013

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"¡Es uno de mis pasatiempos favoritos!   It's a challenge and I enjoy the mental exercise.

When I was in my early twenties, I worked in orchards with migrant workers from Mexico and got a crash course in Spanish.  I think it was easier to learn when my brain was younger.   Since 2001 I've made several trips to the Dominican Republic and after each visit I came home determined to learn Spanish so I wouldn't have to rely on an interpreter the next time. I'm not there yet but will keep trying.   I hope to spend time in a Spanish speaking country and want to be able to communicate.  Maybe Colombia in 2014?  There is plenty of opportunity to speak Spanish here in the States as well."

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

"I love the small class size.   I feel supported by both the instructor and the other students and don't ever feel embarrassed or uncomfortable if I make mistakes.  The conversation nights are a great opportunity to listen to Spanish speakers from different places."

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

"I've had  several opportunities to spend time with family friends from Colombia for days of total immersion.    I like to talk about things we're learning, like the differences between “por” and “para”, and get their explanations."

¡Felicidades Julie!