December 2024 - Matt Phipps

With a kind and friendly disposition, Matt stands out as someone who shows deep care for his classmates and community. A bus driver for the elderly, Matt was motivated to learn the language by his interactions with Spanish speakers at work and his desire to be able to connect with and show appreciation for any Spanish speakers he encounters. Extremely dedicated to learning Spanish, he spends some time studying nearly every day and is methodical in his approach to processing the material being covered in class. Always exuding positive energy, Matt makes a lot of effort to support and encourage his classmates, helping to build a sense of camaraderie in his cohort. We are delighted to count Matt among our amazing community of students and look forward to continuing to see him milk his learning experience to the fullest!

Name: Matt Phipps
Occupation: Soy conductor de autobús para la gente de tercera edad. (Bus driver for the elderly)
Time Studying at Tierra: 8 months
 

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"There are many people I interact with that speak Spanish and I thought that learning Spanish would be respectful and truly beneficial. Many people at my work speak Spanish".

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

"Me gustan mucho mis compañeros/as y mi profesora. (I really like my classmates and my teacher)"

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

"Funny story . . . Last month I was waiting in line at the Social Security Office at 7:00 am and brought two of my backpacking chairs. There was a woman speaking Spanish with her son and I asked, "¿Quiere tocar un asiento?" She looked at me funny so I repeated the exact same question. After a moment she thanked me and took a seat. About 10-15 seconds later I realized that I asked her if she wanted to "touch" my seat, and I softly said, "Oh, tomar." Hopefully she heard me and understood, but she did not say anything. Whoops! That is proof that I still need instruction and practice".

¡Felicidades Matt!