November 2024 - Amanda Schupp

Passionate about studying languages (and also a French speaker), Amanda exudes genuine enthusiasm for learning Spanish. She is a voracious reader who enjoys challenging reading in Spanish for fun, and has a talent for writing, which finds expression in her creative takes on homework assignments. Naturally analytical, she has a gift for understanding grammar structures and is the type of student whose clarifying questions frequently help reveal the nuances of the language to the whole class. Kind and generous in spirit, she builds great relationships with classmates and is always looking for ways to help others and contribute to making class enjoyable. We are delighted to count Amanda as part of our amazing community of students and look forward to continuing to see her expand her skills and spread her joy of learning.

Name: Amanda Schupp
Occupation: Clinical Review Specialist
Time Studying at Tierra: 6 months

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"I love learning languages, so mostly just out of interest. I took a lot of Spanish in my school days but eventually ran out of classes to take and just kind of...stopped. Over a decade later I found that I'd retained good comprehension but speaking, even forming basic sentences, felt impossible. Initially I planned to take just one review and conversation class to dust off the cobwebs, but it was such a good experience that I had to continue. It's been cool to discover how much I still remember and humbling to realize how much I never knew in the first place".

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

"Getting to know my classmates. It is a delight every week to hear them share memories and life updates, and to see everyone gain confidence and proficiency in real time. The easy intimacy created by a small class size is beyond special".

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

"I use what I've learned at Tierra daily. I read every day and each time a turn of phrase or vocab word we covered in class comes up it's a fun lightbulb moment. I've also started seeking out conversation groups and practice with friends, which are situations I felt too self-conscious and out of form for previously. That's really all thanks to my experience here. Extending what has largely been a solitary hobby back into the social realm has been a gift".

¡Felicidades Amanda!