January 2016 - Marjorie Taylor

With her joyful, easy-going approach to learning Spanish, Marjorie is a case in point that attitude means everything when it comes to learning a foreign language. In the nearly two years that she's studied at Tierra, she's achieved great progress through her diligent dedication to her studies, willingness to take on challenges, and embrace of building skills one step at a time. Kind and encouraging, Marjorie's notable patience with herself and with her classmates inspires those who study with her to let go of the fear of making mistakes and enjoy the learning process to the fullest. As her main motivation is her eagerness to travel, we look forward to seeing Marjorie turn her dreams into reality and use her Spanish skills abroad!

Name: Marjorie Taylor
Occupation: Retired; former Training & Development Manager at a state agency.
Time Studying at Tierra: Since Spring 2014

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"Ever since I lived in New Mexico several years as a child, I have been fascinated with the Hispanic culture. I took Spanish in high school and college, and it wasn't until I retired that I felt I had the time to really improve my Spanish and travel to Spanish speaking countries. While the traveling hasn't happened yet, I hope to travel in 2016.

It is important to me to keep my mind active by engaging in music, dancing, and language learning.

Finally my two grandsons in Austin are attending Spanish school. I look forward to having fun speaking Spanish with them."

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

"I so enjoy the classes with Laura. We do so many fun and different activities. For example, we shared articles we read in Spanish with our classmates, we wrote and answered "Dear Abby" letters, and we have silly stories about "Rigoberto" and his friends to practice using direct & indirect object pronouns."

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

"Just last week I visited a Mexican Mercado and was frightened about speaking Spanish. "Do I speak English or practice Spanish?" I spoke Spanish to the clerks asking them questions on certain products and where to find others. I was surprised how easy it was to speak with the employees. (Then I spent the way home correcting my speaking mistakes, "Es el primero tiempo que hago tamales." Oh no, I should have said, "Es la primera vez que hago tamales.")"

¡Felicidades Marjorie!