Spanish Student Spotlight: Erich
“The regularity that Speak! offers has made the difference. It keeps me accountable and focused.”
— Erich Purpur, Spanish Student
Our Interview with Erich
Erich with his Spanish teacher, Dayra, at Speak!
At Speak!, we believe language learning should be consistent, challenging—and yes, even a lot of fun. Erich embodies all three.
A UVA research librarian and longtime Spanish learner, Erich came to Speak! after years of studying on and off, determined to finally push past the plateau that so many learners know well. What he found was not just structure, but a rhythm: weekly one-on-one lessons with Dayra paired with lively conversation sessions that bring the language to life.
Seven months in, Erich is sharpening the finer points of grammar he once avoided, speaking more confidently, and proving that progress doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from showing up (and occasionally learning words like ornitorrinco along the way).
What inspired you to start learning Spanish?
I took language classes for many years in elementary, high school and college and after all those classes I still couldn't speak Spanish. I knew some grammar and vocabulary but to me, the point of a language is to speak to other people. I gave up in frustration in college and didn't really try at all to speak or learn spanish for a few years. When I was about 25, I decided I am going to learn it once and for all. That was 12 or 13 years ago now and it has been a long road but basically, I learn Spanish because it is fun! My goals at the moment are to focus on the finer points of the grammar that I have ignored for a long time.
As a research librarian at UVA, does learning Spanish connect in any way to your work or personal interests?
Maybe I am being too honest in this answer? Spanish does not really impact my work, though I have interacted with a handful of Spanish-speaking patrons over the years. Learning Spanish (and other languages) is a personal interest. Basically, we have 2 different pots of money for our professional development at UVA. The one that is used for travel to conferences, classes, etc went away completely in 2025. So we are left with other money to use for classes. I choose to use mine to learn Spanish and am happy for that opportunity!
What do you enjoy most about your lessons with Dayra?
Dayra is a fun person and a good instructor. Depending on the lesson, sometimes they are more informal and we talk about different things. Other times, she makes me work on grammar and things that I struggle with. She tailors lessons specifically for me and makes it fun at the same time!
You participate in both private lessons and our in-person conversation sessions at Vault — how do those experiences complement each other?
The informal in-person conversation, led by John Rabasa, and the one-on-one lessons are focused on different things in my opinion. The conversation hours are about speaking and listening. The private lessons are about grammar, specifically the finer points that I struggle with or have ignored over the years. I think they are both valuable and look forward to both each week!
Have you noticed any improvements in your ability to now speak Spanish more confidently?
Yes, absolutely. I definitely notice and start to use different verb tenses, moods, and speech patterns. My Spanish is definitely better than when I started.
What makes the Speak! experience different ?
I think the regularity that Speak! offers has made the difference. Setting aside time twice a week when I know I will be speaking Spanish is motivating and keeps me accountable to study my weak points in my own time. In the past, my practice was more haphazard and lacked the focus that I have now.
What has been your proudest or most rewarding moment so far in your Spanish learning?
I've been taking lessons with Speak! For 6 months or so and I can see improvement again, which had been stagnant for a long time. That is really motivating and rewarding.
How would you describe your Speak! experience in three words?
Cursi (cheesy). Morriña (nostalgic). Ornitorrinco (platypus). That is a joke. Those are 3 "words of the day" that Dayra taught me!
DAYRA on ERICH:
Erich is the example of perseverance and never giving up, or assuming that you know everything. He was my first student at Speak! And I'm so happy that I get to have class with him every week still today. When I first met him, I was so impressed by how well he spoke Spanish, but perfection doesn't even exist among native speakers. However, the thing I admire the most about Erich is how he always wants to get better and just practice and truly Speak! Spanish, because he actually enjoys the language and the culture of the Hispanic-speaking world. Working with Erich is always easy, fun, and even challenging at times because he also teaches me whenever he asks questions that I've never really thought about before. He is a great student, and he makes me a better teacher in every class.
