Margarita Robles: Language Journeys

Photo by Nathan Cima on Unsplash In this post I share my memories as a student in Lima. School was not easy for me, but today I can look back with new eyes and learn from that experience. Mi primer recuerdo de la escuela primaria es de miedo, inseguridad y mucho temor. Soltar la mano de mi papá para dársela a la monja que me llevaría a mi primera clase es la primera escena que quedó grabada en mi memoria. Asistí a un colegio de monjas en Lima, Perú. En aquella época, éramos 40 niñas por aula, 80 si sumabas las secciones A y B. Es decir, un profesor tenía bajo su responsabilidad a 80 estudiantes. Mis maestras veían su labor como un trabajo rutinario: no recuerdo que ninguna me haya llamado por mi nombre. Siempre fui “Robles aquí, Robles allá”. Ese trato impersonal y frío me hizo sentir ajena, y yo, en respuesta, les negué mi afecto. Nunca me abrí con ellas ni con mis compañeras. Apenas tuve una o dos amigas durante toda la primaria. La secundaria fue igual o peor. Nunca fui popular: n...

Photo by Ling App on Unplash Being a Spanish teacher in a foreign country has taught me just as much about learning as it has about teaching. Over the years — and especially as an expat — I’ve realized that teaching a language isn’t only about grammar and vocabulary. It’s about patience, mindset, and the little habits we build. Here are four truths I’ve learned from my journey as both a teacher and a lifelong learner. 1. Slow Down — Clarity Comes First Spanish native speakers often talk fast, use slang, and sometimes skip grammar rules. In my classes, I’ve learned to slow down, speak clearly, and stick to the rules so my students can follow me. I know some teachers speak faster, and they have their reasons. But I’ve seen how much more my students interact when they actually understand what I’m saying. I’ve experienced the same as a listener — I love listening to Mel Robbins’ podcast because she speaks at a pace I can follow. My former boss at an international school also spoke clea...