Angelica's World

So we got rid of some more kinks and I think we're ready to roll. I was hoping to have some exciting news to report but the past few days have been consumed in reading a lot about education and making sense of my Spanish readings so I could write a logical paper--that was quite an experience.

I wish my skills in learning the Spanish language (and being able to have a fluent conversation) matched my desire to become a fluent speaker. I've always loved Spanish and I've wanted to be proficient for ages but for some reason it's one of the most difficult things I've encountered academically, ever. Any suggestions?

I was hoping that after spending two months in Spain this summer I'd come home ready to converse with any and every Spanish speaker I came across--unfortunately my self-confidence wasn't at a high point in that field and I shied away from some opportunities in Spain that I should have taken advantage of. But, I'm hoping that after spending tons of time on Spanish homework this year and hopefully spending a few weeks in another Spanish-speaking country this summer, I'll be in a better place next year! I'm thinking about going down to Latin or South America to possibly do some volunteering this summer, maybe with the Special Olympics (that'd probably be ideal). Obviously I still have lots of time to figure it all out which is good because it will probably take me that long to research everything.

So that's pretty much my frustrations with Spanish, in a nutshell. I love it, I want to be good at it but something has yet to click!

On another note, I absolutely love my student teaching placement! I love 2nd grade, my class is great, and I get to teach my first lesson next week! My cooperating teacher is giving me free reign over the lesson--I can choose any topic from a specific unit and teach the class on Wednesday. Hopefully next week I'll have some good news to report back...I'm really excited but I'm waiting for the nerves to set in!