March 2014 - Ann Parsons

Possessing a infectiously sunny attitude, Ann approaches perfecting her Spanish skills with inexhaustible determination and curiosity. Her story is an inspiring one: after a decades-long career as a successful engineer, she decided she wanted to shift gears and do something that would give back to the community and particularly help Spanish-speaking youth. She chose the field of education and this year has been learning the ropes of public schooling as a tutor in math and science for students who are not native English-speakers. Open and honest, Ann’s willingness to share anecdotes and opinions in the name of Spanish practice contribute to making class a deeper and more enriching experience for all. We honor Ann and people like her who feel so called to a particular mission that they take risks and make sacrifices to make it happen.

Name:  Ann Parsons
Occupation:  ELL (English Language Learner) Staff Assistant, Evergreen School District
Time Studying at Tierra:  About a year  

1) Why are you studying Spanish? 

"I have long been interested in Hispanic culture and the Spanish language and I love to travel.   I started at Tierra when I decided to make a career change this year from engineering.  I now work with primarily Spanish speaking high school kids, tutoring math and science.  I also teach English to a "New Comers" group of kids who are new to the U.S.  I want to become more fluent in Spanish to more effectively communicate with the kids and their parents."

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

"I love the small class size and the safe learning environment that Tierra provides.  My fellow students are very interesting people with different life experiences, and I have learned a lot from them.  The teachers are experts in teaching Spanish to adult learners, and make the classes fun and engaging.  They care about their students and have created a wonderful learning community." 

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

"I use the Spanish I am learning at Tierra every day with the high school kids.  I also hope to take my improved fluency 'on the road' this summer on a volunteer trip to Ecuador or Mexico working with kids in an orphanage or rural setting."

¡Felicidades Ann!