How can you pass on your culture if you didn’t grow up speaking the language?

Speaking Spanish with Serena: A Journey from Silence to Fluency

Serena Michelle’s decision to learn Spanish was more than a personal goal, it was a heartfelt mission to reconnect with her Puerto Rican heritage and ensure her son embraced their shared culture. Despite early challenges and a demanding military schedule, Serena found success through personalized online Spanish lessons with Coach Alberto at Spanish55. Her journey from silence to fluency not only bridged familial gaps but also opened new professional opportunities. This article delves into how Serena's dedication and the support of a compassionate online Spanish teacher transformed her life and legacy.

Serena Michelle is a proud Puerto Rican, yet there was always a gap in her life that she deeply felt but couldn't initially fill. Growing up in a Spanish-speaking family, Serena was surrounded by the sounds and rhythm of the language, but she never learned to speak it herself. "My whole family speaks Spanish, but I wasn't taught," she shares. This gap created a sense of disconnection, especially when she realized the cultural richness she was missing out on.

Embracing her roots: Serena's journey to connect with her Puerto Rican heritage through language.

It was a painful realization for Serena, which grew stronger as she got older. "I hated not being able to speak Spanish when I was younger. I didn't realize the importance of it until I got older," she admits. The turning point came when she had her son and felt an urgent need to pass on this vital part of her heritage. Determined to change her circumstances, Serena decided to learn Spanish, not just for herself but also to teach her son.

"It's really important for me to learn Spanish for my family and to teach my son. It's a life goal that I have," she emphasizes.

Serena's journey was challenging. She tried self-teaching but found it difficult. Her first experience with a tutor was discouraging. "I had a really bad experience with another tutor. She was aggressive," Serena recalls. Not giving up, she searched for a better online Spanish teacher and found Spanish55, where she met Coach Alberto. "I had a trial session, and from then on, I knew I wanted to work with Spanish55. Coach Alberto's background as a teacher fits as a glove," she explains. 

Guided learning: Serena during an engaging online Spanish class with Coach Alberto

Her commitment to learning Spanish was put to the test by her hectic schedule in the military. Initially, she could only manage one class a week. "I wasn't focused because of my crazy schedule. Now I recommend taking classes at least twice a week," she advises. With a more stable routine, Serena's progress accelerated. "He [Alberto] is so patient, and we review a lot. Now, when I listen to music, I understand what's being said, or when I read, I can comprehend it," she says with satisfaction.

The transformation was profound. Serena now feels a stronger connection to her heritage.

"When I go to Puerto Rico, I can speak with my family; they love that. I tell everyone they need to learn Spanish," she says passionately.

This connection extends beyond her family to her professional life, opening doors to better job opportunities where being bilingual is an asset. "There are jobs that ask if you're bilingual, and of course, they prefer someone who speaks more than one language," she adds, highlighting the practical benefits of her new skills.

Serena's dedication to learning Spanish is evident in how she integrates it into her daily life. She teaches her son the language, ensuring he grows up bilingual. "I ask him to do things in Spanish, and he says it back to me. I don't want him to miss out on anything because he doesn't know Spanish," she emphasizes. Her efforts reflect a deep desire to break the cycle and ensure her son fully embraces their linguistic heritage.

Looking ahead, Serena has no plans to stop learning.

"I want to stay with Spanish55 as long as I can. There's so much to learn. I want to improve my accent and confidently hold conversations,"

she says. Her experience in New York, where Spanish is widely spoken, gives her plenty of opportunities to practice. "Whenever I come across someone who needs help, like a lady lost in a train station, I can step in and help," she shares proudly.

Bridging cultures: Serena applies her Spanish skills in the vibrant, multilingual landscape of New York City.

Serena's favorite moments in her online Spanish classes with Coach Alberto are the "aha" moments. "When the light bulb goes off, and he says, 'There you go,' it's amazing," she says with a smile. These moments reinforce her progress and motivate her to keep going. "He's so intelligent and patient. I don't think I'd be learning without him," she adds, underscoring the importance of a supportive and knowledgeable teacher.

For anyone hesitant about learning Spanish, Serena has clear advice: "Just start now. There's no right time for anything; just do it. In a few weeks, you'll be able to take a vacation and talk to someone or help someone in need," she encourages. Her enthusiasm is contagious, reflecting the profound impact of learning Spanish on her life.

After hearing her enthusiasm and newfound insights, it's clear that Serena Michelle's journey with Spanish55 and Coach Alberto has helped her bridge a gap in her cultural identity and paved the way for her son to embrace their rich linguistic heritage. "I think if you're Latino, you should try to learn Spanish because it's just so important," she concludes, her words resonating with anyone on a similar path.