July 2018 - Beth Parmenter

Few students approach learning Spanish with as much joyful determination as Beth. Since starting her studies at Tierra a year and a half ago, she’s been utterly committed to her morning classes, sometimes enrolling in two intensive courses at once and so coming four times a week to build her Spanish skills. With a naturally sunny outlook, she’s met every challenge she’s come across with sensible optimism and has worked incredibly hard outside the classroom to achieve dramatic progress. Motivated to learn Spanish by her desire to volunteer to help farm workers and to have authentic interactions when traveling, her genuine interest shines through in the classroom. Warm and sociable, she is a wonderful classmate whose positive attitude and delight in learning are contagious. We are honored to have Beth as part of our student community and excited to continue to see her continue to reap the benefits of her hard work.
 

Name: Beth Parmenter
Occupation: Retired Nurse
Time Studying at Tierra: 18 months

1) Why are you studying Spanish?
"I began studying Spanish at Tierra the week after I retired working as a nurse for 32 years. I had three major goals:  to volunteer with the Western Farm Workers Association and be able to talk with and help support the immigrants who provide our food and many other services;  to travel in the Americas and be able to develop relationships that are deeper than what the usual tourist conversations allow;  to keep my brain intact and learn new things, which is healthy and fun!"

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

"Tierra has a friendly and supportive environment with teachers who know how to make learning engaging and, at times, frankly hilarious. So often I leave class smiling and chuckling. I also like the small class sizes so we each get an opportunity to participate".

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

"I’ve traveled to Cuba and Mexico and have spent time with farmworkers here since beginning studying at Tierra. Speaking Spanish is still the hardest part for me but I see the light in peoples’ eyes as they recognize I’m trying. Our conversations often become one where they can help me learn and that helps us to make a human connection. 

A friend referred me to Tierra when I was looking for a place to study Spanish. I’m so glad she did! Learning Spanish here has been an enlightening and enlivening experience!"

¡Felicidades Beth!