You’re never too old to learn Spanish!
It has been an interesting start to the new ‘school year’, with the fire meaning that many of my students were evacuated from their homes & naturally couldn’t make the first class of term – but incredibly one or two were so determined to start that they came anyway! The very best news is that none of my students lost their homes. Gardens & outbuildings were destroyed. Houses are still smelling of smoke & there’s still a big clean up to do for many – but as they have been telling me – the important thing is that they are still alive & they still have a roof over their heads.
My timetable is completely full & I have a waiting list! There are a couple of seats available in a few groups, but they are filling quickly as well. I can always fit some written translation work in, because I can do that when I’m not teaching, & I actually find it relaxing! So if anyone wants to help me relax, send me some translation work!
When I joined the board of Amjasa a year ago, I had no idea that there would be so many meetings & that there would be so much reading! Speaking to other board members they didn’t realise either. I’m not complaining – it’s really interesting & it’s great to feel that I’m doing something for the town I’m so grateful to call ‘my little bit of paradise’ – & home. Over the past year I’ve gradually tweaked my timetable so that I can fit the meetings in without having to cancel classes. We usually have the meetings at silly o’clock in the morning & I’m rarely late for my 10am class. I’m also grateful to my students for being so understanding on the odd occasion that I make it ‘por los pelos’, or ‘un poco de retraso’.
This term I have more new students than I can ever remember – & many have only just moved here, & had contacted me to book themselves in for lessons before they even arrived.
Of course it’s brilliant to see all the familiar faces from last ‘school year’ back as well! A few who have had to drop out in the past due to family & other pressures have been in touch & want to join groups again, and the ‘snowbirds’ will all be back soon. Don’t worry – we’ve kept your seats warm for you!
An interesting thing about the new students is their age. Typically my students are early or young retirees. This year I have a lot of young 30-somethings, some of whom are teachers themselves in the International schools. It’s great news for Jávea that younger people, both with & without children are moving here. (Good news for me too!).
The REALLY interesting thing though, is that I have not one, but two octogenarians! So the age range of my students now spans over 50 years. It just goes to show that it’s never too late, & you’re never too old, to learn something new. And if you live in Spain, why not learn Spanish?
