I decided very early on in my high school career that teaching was the job for me. When I got to college and decided to be a Spanish major, I thought that I would enter the graduate program for foreign language teachers at UMass and teach Spanish to high school students. However, my plans were disrupted when I found out this program was in redesign and may not be available to me when I graduate. I knew there were other programs I could apply to at different universities, but my heart was set on UMass. I felt disappointed and scared for what my future would entail, and it was too late to switch majors. Why did I major in Spanish if I couldn’t be a Spanish teacher in the future?

Then, my friend convinced me to take an education class called Tutoring in Schools that involved going into a classroom for four hours every week to volunteer. Honestly, I was still confused about my future at that point and thought that the class would be an easy A. However, once I started going to my site every week I learned that I loved working with the first grade students in my class, especially those who could speak Spanish with me. I saw them grow every week and react to learning new things that I hadn’t seen in high school students. They were all so eager to learn and participate, and while I know that not every student is like this, I was hooked. I then decided that I wanted to pursue elementary education, and eventually get certified as an English Language Learner teacher. I had finally found a connection with my Spanish major and my desire to pursue a career in education.

After the semester was over I thought, “What now?” I didn’t want to stop volunteering with elementary school students, but I wanted to interact more with those who could also speak Spanish. I then decided to take a class called Multicultural Education, in which I am currently enrolled and entails going to an after school program in Holyoke once a week. There is a huge population of Spanish speaking students in Holyoke, and athough the actual class seems disorganized at times, I am so thankful that I get to interact with these children every week. I learn so much more from them than they learn from me; it’s absolutely incredible. These students look up to me so much, and it feels awesome to know that you’re actually making a difference in someone’s life. I am eternally grateful for them, knowing that all the students that I have worked with over the past year have helped me find myself.

I believe that a common misconception is that service learning can only benefit those receiving the service. However, my experience has shown me the exact opposite. As I help them with homework, reading, or just sit and talk with them, I get to practice my Spanish language skills and also learn about a different culture than my own. I will be very sad when the semester is over, knowing that I will not get to see these faces that have become all to familiar over the weeks. However, I am hopeful that one day I will get to have a classroom of my own and be able to shape at least part of the lives of my many future students.