I’m convinced that one of the most difficult things to do in life is learn a second language, especially once you’re over the age of…oh…about 14. Not because we can’t do it, but because we’re so afraid of doing it. More than anything, we’re afraid of making mistakes and seeming unintelligent as we get older. We all have this idea about who we are, and I guarantee that very few us envision ourselves as blubbering idiots trying to conjugate an easy verb like “querer” into its different forms.

That’s exactly what happens though with a second language. We make mistakes, we feel foolish, and really…who wants that? Very few people are brave enough to make mistake after mistake after mistake and still keep going. Very few people have enough courage to continue trying something after being laughed at and ridiculed.

With that said, there is one thing I absolutely love about learning a second language.

I love how the struggle of learning reveals so much about my character. Am I able to keep trying to speak Spanish even though I make mistakes virtually every time I open my mouth? Or do I get so embarrassed that I stay silent? Do I laugh at my errors and learn from them? Or do I become angry and frustrated?

I’m forced to answer questions like these about myself and it helps me reflect so much. Doing things that are simple and basic reveal nothing about my own character or anyone else’s for that matter. Yet learning a language opens the door wide open.

Quiero aprender mas!