12 Questions with Spanish Tutor Ana

“If I have the power to change something I would want to make everyone happy, especially children.”

1. When did you know you wanted to be a teacher? Since I was a little girl I knew I was going to be a teacher. My mom tells me that I loved to play school and teach my dolls. Then when I grew up I enjoyed being my friends’ tutor when they didn’t understand something.

2. What’s advice do you have for parents trying to raise bilingual children? My daughter was 8 when she started learning English. She learned very quickly and then she did not want to speak Spanish. I was very persistent speaking Spanish to her, even if her answers were in English. Now she is 20 and she can speak Spanish and English very well. My advice is to be consistent.

I believe students are willing to participate and take risks when they are having a great time.

Ana

3. What’s your wish for your students? I wish that my students have FUN learning Spanish. I believe students are willing to participate and take risks when they are having a great time.

4. How would you describe your tutoring style in 5 words? Fun, exciting, flexible, caring and enthusiastic.

5. Do you remember a time you got frustrated learning another language? When I was learning English I had to go the doctor, he asked my age and I told him I was 99…..hahaha. I also used to confuse kitchen and chicken. It’s okay to make mistakes.

6. What was your favorite activity as a kid? Swimming, I grew up in a city where the weather was hot year round so I was able to spend a lot time in the pool.

7. What’s the next skill you most want to learn? I would love to learn to take professional pictures.

8. What’s your favorite thing to do on a day off? I love watching movies with my family.

9. What’s your favorite Hispanic food? My favorite Colombian food is empanadas and my mom makes the best ones.

10. What’s your secret superpower? I think my secret superpower is sensitivity, to know when somebody is having a bad day. If I have the power to change something I would want to make everyone happy, especially children.

11. What are you grateful for? I’m grateful for my family. I used to live in Colombia and my family moved to the United States after I became an adult. Now, when I spend time with them I value every minute with my family. I’m grateful for quality time with friends and family.

12. What’s your favorite thing about teaching PandaTree students? My favorite thing about teaching at PandaTree is having students around the world. How cool is that? I have the privilege to teach students in France, Hawaii and many states in the US. I’m so lucky, I have the best job ever!