May 2025 - Carolyn Johnson

An enthusiastic and committed student, Carolyn has been impressively focused on her Spanish studies since beginning classes at Tierra in early 2023. As a mental health professional and dance therapist, she had the opportunity use her burgeoning Spanish skills to connect with Spanish-speaking patients. Having recently retired, she now has more time to dedicate to her Spanish studies and enjoyed a Spanish immersion trip to Cuernavaca, México where she took Spanish classes and used her Spanish skills to navigate her way around town. An encouraging and supportive classmate, she naturally builds strong bonds with her compañeros de clase and thrives on the social interactions in class. We are delighted to have Carolyn in our amazing community of students and look forward to continuing to see her polish her skills and strive for fluency.

Name: Carolyn Johnson (call me “Caro”)
Occupation: Recently retired as Dance-Movement Therapist/Mental Health Professional at Providence Portland Medical Center, Adult Psychiatric Unit. Currently teaches yoga at Woodstock Wellness Center.
Time Studying at Tierra: 1.5 years

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"I have been studying Spanish on and off for decades. It was “high-time” to get serious and hopefully, move closer to fluency. It is important for me to be able to communicate with the Spanish-speaking community which is such a significant and growing part of our life here in the US".

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

"I so appreciate the opportunity to learn in a stress-free (i.e., exam -free!) environment, to study with other adult learners, to meet with so many interesting students, and especially to benefit from the generous, nonjudgmental and expert teaching ability of my “maestra” Cynthia. I also have appreciated the opportunity for a day-time, online class though I do hope to join an in-person class at Tierra soon".

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

"I have been able to communicate more meaningfully with Spanish-speaking patients at the hospital and with community members around town since studying at Tierra. I recently traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico (for a 3 week-Spanish language intensive) and recognized that my Tierra experience has been instrumental in helping me to benefit from this immersion experience and to also to navigate traveling to and within Mexico".

¡Felicidades Carolyn!