February 2015 - Mia Palkie

Exuding enthusiasm for learning Spanish, Mia’s infinitely positive attitude has paved her path towards proficiency with progress and many laughs. So strong is her motivation to learn and practice speaking Spanish, when she did not find a good place to practice in Eugene (where she lives) she created a Spanish Conversation group through the social website Meetup.com and co-organizes two weekly gatherings. Her eagerness to communicate in Spanish combined with her inquisitive nature make her an ideal classmate: she asks the questions everyone has on their mind and keeps the mood lively. Having made great strides in her time studying at Tierra, Mia is on the brink of turning her dreams of travel into reality! We congratulate Mia for her initiative and commitment and look forward to hearing about her future exploits!
 

Name:  Mia Palkie
Occupation: I am an engineer on paper but a Field Sales Rep by trade.  I sell Semiconductors for Epic Technical Sales.
Time Studying at Tierra: 1 year plus one quarter

1) Why are you studying Spanish? 

"Almost twenty years ago I graduated from college with a minor in Spanish.  I regret to say that I never once tried to use those skills while they were still fresh in my head.  I was too afraid to make mistakes.  Twenty years later I found myself in a position to pick up a new hobby.  I live in Eugene and work in Portland a few days a week and I was looking to do something with my evenings.  Finding Tierra hit the spot.  I am gaining confidence in my skills and it won’t be long before I start exploring Spanish speaking countries."

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

"Do I have to pick one?  I love that the only thing going on at this school is Spanish.  I love being surrounded by other people with the same passion for learning this language and the opportunity to be surrounded by people at the same level as me, asking the same questions.  It’s a welcoming, non-judging atmosphere where you can make mistakes, work through grammar, meet new people and laugh with your group.  I have a new group of people I call friends, pen pals and people who I would go out with for a drink, food and a chat en español!"

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

"Every time I speak Spanish I use what I have learned at Tierra.  I started with a decent knowledge of the present tense and my vocabulary needed the cobwebs cleared.   At Tierra I learned the past tenses, relearned and learned new vocab and am now tackling the subjunctive.  Mostly I have gained confidence.

About a year ago I started a Spanish Conversation Meet Up group in Eugene that is still going strong.  We have two sessions per week where people can meet and speak Spanish over coffee on Saturday mornings or drinks on a weeknight.  During the summer every Tuesday night a friend and I chose a new Latin American Restaurant to try and spoke Spanish for the entire dinner.

Latin America better look out because this gal is about ready to book some trips!"

¡Felicidades Mia!