November 2013 - Marissa Dorais

With a broad smile and seemingly limitless enthusiasm for learning, Marissa brings positive energy and constructive focus to the classroom. An adventurous spirit whose travels have led her around the world, her genuine desire to communicate with the locals she encountered in Spanish-speaking countries was the impetus that sparked her dedication to develop her Spanish skills. In her professional life, Marissa works to restore and maintain natural areas along the Willamette River, and her passion and concern for the environment and world around her shine through in thought-provoking classroom conversations. A committed student who clearly enjoys diving into the depths of Spanish structure, her natural sense of humor perfectly balances her resolute drive. Through her open and meaningful contributions in Spanish class, Marissa reminds us that language is what connects people and every moment is an opportunity to share and learn from one another.

Name: Marissa Aurora Dorais
Occupation: Natural Area Stewardship Coordinator
Time Studying at Tierra:  One year

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"My love of travel brought me to Tierra. After travelling to many beautiful countries, I started to get frustrated not being able to get know places and people in the native language of the country I was in.  Since I can't learn every language in the world at once (Though I sure wish I could!) I decided to focus on Spanish after falling in love with Latin America.  I also work with volunteers in my job and hope to involve more Spanish speaking volunteers in the program I run."

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

"I really appreciate that other students at Tierra are motivated to learn and take classes seriously without losing the sense of humor you have to have learning a new language as an adult. It is also easy to see that the teachers work hard to make classes interesting, fun, and effective."

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

"Once in Mexico my partner and I wanted to find a good place to camp in our tent for a few nights.  One night we ate our tacos at the same table as a local couple and I struck up a conversation with them about the town and their families.  After awhile I asked them if they knew of good place for us to pitch our tent for a couple days.  They proceeded to give me directions to a beach via a couple country roads, a few twists and turns, and a tiny path through the forest.  We followed the directions and ended up camping on an amazing beach with no one else around for several days.  It ended up being one of my favorite places I've visited in the country and I never would have found it if I didn't have the Spanish skills to chat with locals (and, more importantly, understand the directions!)."

¡Felicidades Marissa!