A personal story for Women’s Day

All over social media today I’m seeing things about International Women’s Day.

It made me think of something a little personal that I wanted to share with you, because I think it might inspire something in you, maybe?

Ok, here goes!

When I was growing up, I didn’t have a lot of confidence

(please don’t tell my parents that, I’m sure it would make them sad to hear!)

But it’s true.

I didn’t speak up in class, I avoided confrontation, I hung out “under the radar”, and I just never felt very confident in myself.

I don’t know why?

Maybe it was just being a kid? Growing up being a girl? Maybe I was an introvert and that was just who I was?

Who knows. But that’s not who I am anymore, at all.

And I think I know what it was that made the change….

In 7th grade, I had to take Spanish class. No one in my family or neighborhood spoke Spanish, I didn’t travel to Spanish-speaking countries, my parents didn’t push me to learn, and I really had no real desire to learn either besides that I knew I needed to pass the tests and get a good grade.

(Side note – I got a C in my first Spanish class… yeah, kind of embarrassing, but I’m not ashamed! It goes to show your past doesn’t equal your future)

Anyways, even though I had no one really pushing me to learn Spanish and I obviously wasn’t naturally good at it, I still wanted to keep learning.

Why?

Because when I told someone I could speak Spanish or when I said a phrase or sentence, they were really impressed!

I heard adults all the time talk about how they wish they knew it.

And heard other kids talk about how HARD it was!

Left and right people would light up when they found I “could speak Spanish” (although I was just still learning!)

It gave me a sense of pride, it made me feel cool and smart, and upped my confidence in myself.

Because it was a challenging task that I was following through with…

And it was such an impressive skill to have!

Of course I loved the culture and the food and the possibilities it was going to open up for my future.

But I mostly liked the gratification it gave me.

Knowing a 2nd language really sets you apart from other people, especially here in America where it’s not a super common skill to have.

So today on International Women’s Day, I want to inspire you to look at your son or daughter and see what really lights them up.

You never know what it’s going to be. I bet my parents had NO idea that for me it was knowing a second language.

Maybe for your child it could be knowing a 2nd language, too?

If you’re interested in seeing if your child, too, could really gain some empowerment from knowing Spanish, just respond to this email and let me know!

I’d be happy to teach them! We’ve got a lot of awesome programs that are FUN and effective.

And if YOU are interested in learning Spanish yourself, keep opening my emails. I’ve got a big announcement coming soon special for adults that want to learn!

Until then,

Happy International Women’s Day!

Here’s to strong women!

May we KNOW them. May we BE them. May we RAISE them.