I have been an educator for over 20 years. I teach six Spanish classes at George Bush HS. I grew up in Peru, South America, attending Escuela Mixta Virgen del Pilar, a small, diverse school. I graduated from Angelina College with an A.A. in Print Journalism, and I have a B.A. in Electronic Journalism, Spanish Language and Literature and Political Science from Stephen F. Austin State University. I received my Texas teaching credential at Stephen F Austin State University as well. I continued my education and received my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. Also, I have post graduate studies in literature, linguistics and Political Science from University of Texas, University of Houston and University of Arizona respectively, and I studied language, literature and Political Science overseas in Costa Rica and Mexico. I believe that all students can learn a foreign language, especially when they receive good support from those around them. I believe that we study a foreign language for many reasons as author Grace Fleming explains:

• Foreign Language Study is Brain Exercise When we speak our native languages, we know where to place our verbs and adjectives without even thinking about it. When we study a foreign language, however, we have to really think about what we’re doing. Foreign language study forces us think about the structure and role of language in a whole new way. This deliberate examination of language gives your brain a workout. Many students find that their native language skills improve greatly after they’ve learned a foreign language.
• Foreign Language Fluency Will Improve Your College Application Want to really stand out to college officials? Find a way to flaunt your foreign language skills. It’s true that most students take a foreign language in high school, so taking classes alone won’t do the trick. But learning a foreign language and really putting it to work—that will make you stand out. For example, you can volunteer to answer phones in your church or local community or you can assist second language students in a nearby pre-school or medical office. If you don’t like to work with the public, you can translate written work in your spare time. You can definitely use this to impress college officials.
• Increase Your Career Opportunities With Foreign Language Skills There’s no doubt about it: foreign language skills are becoming more and more important in today’s society. In the United States, Spanish language skills are becoming essential in the workplace. In Canada, French skills are important. If you think about it, foreign language skills are important in most occupations these days.
Academic World: Professors often travel to foreign countries to attend conferences and share research.
Business: Global communication is essential in business today.
Communication and Media: Your skills will be so valuable to any organization when you can increase communication. You may be interested in translating documents or working on TV or Radio.
Education: Just think—you could teach anywhere in the world. Think big!
Government Services: Some studies show that 80 percent of government jobs require foreign language skills.
Travel Industry: Do you love to travel? With an exciting career in the travel industry you can work and play at the same time!
Intelligence/Law Enforcement: Ever dreamed of becoming an international spy? You can—if you study foreign languages.

As you can see, foreign language skills will open your eyes to new sights, opportunities, and experiences around the world. The possibilities are endless!