Since learning Spanish in highschool, I have always focused on ways to engage in the immediate and global community of the language.

With the use of cultural background activities on VHL and talking with natives through Talk Abroad, I was finally able to grasp an idea of the outreach in front of me. Learning Spanish is not just speaking the language, it is reaching out and interacting with people and their cultures.

The Talk Abroad assignments stood out to me. Getting involved with another person in another country was intimidating. However, I learned so many of the similarities and differences within our communities. For example, my partner Maria and I are both working college students with the same taste in music. However, Maria explained life in her country, Columbia, before and after Covid-19.

My experiences throughout this semester led me to understand the importance of community outreach.