The ongoing pandemic has made virtual education more commonplace, as well as an essential tool to cultivate well-being in these trying times. Learners around the world who would otherwise find themselves isolated, now use various forms of technology to connect with their teachers from the safety of their homes.We had a chat with one of our beloved Spanish students, Peggy Morris, for insights and updates on her online classes.

Has taking classes helped with your well-being during this pandemic?

Taking classes has been such a benefit in this situation. I have something to look forward to three times a week; homework keeps my brain active! My lessons are always on my mind. I wake up speaking Spanish. When I’m walking, I conjugate verbs and practice conversations with my neighbors. Native speakers have complimented me on my speaking.

Did you have any apprehensions about taking Spanish classes online? If so, what were they?

I had no apprehensions with working with my maestro - only with the technology - but the Study Abroad Coordinator has been very helpful in easing my anxiety so it has been really easy. I should mention that I live in Mexico and I feel very strongly that I should be able converse in the language.

What’s your teacher like and has he/she helped you overcome any struggle in particular?

My teacher is very patient with me. He has really good lesson plans and always has surprises in his lessons - at least, I’m surprised! Our lessons are fun and I have progressed. My class is interesting and moves right along, so I’m amazed that the hour goes fast. I like the variety in our lessons and Pedro is very encouraging. He answers my questions and we practice what I have learned in different contexts.

Have your language skills improved?

Ask Pedro! But yes, I definitely have improved. I understand native speakers and can respond and I find myself speaking Spanish more often, even to my dogs!

What interesting methods, tools and techniques have you applied to your learning?

I label things in Spanish around my house. I have Scrabble in Spanish, Bananagrams, and magnets for my refrigerator. I have a Spanish hour with my friends. After Pedro gave me stories to read, I have been reading books. And I am teaching my house cleaner’s daughter to sew. She’s 8 and only speaks Spanish, so I wrote instructions and sewing words so we could both look at them while she’s sewing and I can give instructions. We are talking together more easily.

In what aspects have your language skills changed your life and relationships?

I’ve noticed that I am speaking more confidently to my neighbors, and in restaurants and stores I’m chatting more and more. The kids in the neighborhood speak to me in Spanish and I can respond. Recently I had a desk and cabinet built by a cabinet maker and we communicated all in Spanish. I had a bad dream that the cabinets turned out all crazy, but the final projects were built to my specifications. I also sew with a Mexican neighbor and she only speaks Spanish. As we have sewn together for more than a year, I am understanding and speaking more.

When things open up after we are all vaccinated, would you like to come back and study in-person at Na'atik again?

Oh yes, I have plans to go back to study at Na’atik. I’m plotting now as to when I can come for a month! I can hardly wait!

We are grateful to not only have you as a student but as a monthly donor. What is your motivation for donating to Na'atik?

I feel very strongly that kids should get to learn languages and I watched the library being painted, so I especially support the library. I hope the kids like books as much as I do. And what Na’atik is doing for the local kids and language learners is so important.

In Mexico, online education is vital for the implementation of consistent programs for adults and children in rural communities.

If you would like to read more about Mexican culture, history, cuisine and language, check out our blog page for our latest monthly articles. You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive these straight to your inbox along with the latest news about our non-profit school for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. 

The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.