Student Spotlight: SYLVIA
Tell us a little about yourself, Sylvia! Where do you come from?
I was born and raised in New Jersey. I lived in the same small town until I went off to college in Pennsylvania. After graduating, I worked as a secretary for a few years. When I was 24 years old, I decided to make a leap from living & working in NJ to living & working in Hawaii. I had spent one of my high school summers on O’ahu studying the Polynesian culture and loved everything about it. And I thought it would be a great place to live as a young adult. I lived in Hawai’i for 3 years and during that time I met and married my husband - a Navy pilot who was stationed there. Also as an active-duty military spouse, I was fortunate to live many places including 3 years in Misawa, Japan.
How did you end up in Charlottesville?
I currently live in Culpeper, VA. I commute to Charlottesville to Speak! for my Italian language classes.
Significant language/travel/educational experiences pre-Speak?
I took 4 years of French in high school and 2 semesters in college. But that was the end of my French studies until I decided to relearn it using Duolingo back in 2014. Before moving to Japan in 1986, my husband and I attended classes to learn Japanese. I had a very basic understanding of the language which helped me to feel comfortable in restaurants, shops, on the train, etc. But I was not fluent by any means. And once we left Japan, I did not keep up with my Japanese language studies.
What motivated you to start learning Italian?
I was just drawn to it. I think Italian found me, actually. After finishing the French program on Duolingo, I wanted to learn a new language. I like the Duolingo format, it works well for me. So it really was quite simple to begin. After I completed the Italian program on Duolingo, I knew if I wanted to progress I had to find a class where I could strengthen my listening and speaking skills. My research into finding Italian language classes, led me to Speak! And I’ve been a student since 2017.
What do you love about the language and culture?
Italian language is like music to my ears. That’s the only way I can explain it. I love to hear it spoken. I like reading it. And someday I hope I will speak it as beautifully as I hear it. The culture is fascinating to me perhaps because I love history. And of course the food is delicious! It is such a beautiful country.
How does it make you feel to speak Italian?
Well, I’m still a bit shy about speaking it. I think that is because I don’t want to make mistakes. But AnnaMaria, my teacher at Speak!, often tells me I know more than I think I do. So I just need to put myself out there and do it.
How has studying Italian enriched your life?
Studying Italian has enriched my life in many ways. As an older learner, it has boosted my confidence in that I am learning a language that I’ve not studied before. I’ve met many nice people in my classes and have made friends. And because I enjoy it so much, I am motivated to learn more.
What do you enjoy most about your lessons with Annamaria at Speak!?
I love learning with AnnaMaria. She is so patient and very encouraging. She keeps us going even when we feel less confident in our abilities. She has also become my friend. And I treasure that very much.
Do you remember the moment when you had your first conversation and things really clicked? If so, please describe it!
I think my first real conversation in Italian was while I was in Rome in September 2018. I stopped in a small gelateria. There were no other patrons, just myself and the young man behind the counter. I decided to place my order in Italian. I think I felt brave because there was no “audience”. Of course, it was a very basic conversation. And he was so kind and patient. As I was leaving he said, “You speak Italian beautifully.” Oh my gosh! Even if he was just being kind, I was so grateful for his compliment. I left the shop smiling from ear to ear.
How have your Italian lessons at Speak! enhanced your experiences/adventures in Italia?
My first trip to Italy was in September 2018. I went on one of AnnaMaria’s “Off the Beaten Path” tours. We traveled to the Abruzzo region. I was in awe every single day - the scenery, the food, the people - it was a wonderful experience. I plan to travel again with her this June.
Do you have a favorite Italian region or town/city? What about a favorite food?
I’ve only traveled to the Abruzzo region, so I will say that is my favorite right now. I have many favorite foods, but the fresh Italian pastas with fresh seafood that we had in Italy would be my favorites. And of course, gelato!
If you could speak any other language, in addition to Italian (and English), which would it be and why?
I’m currently studying the Hawaiian language on Duolingo. I have always been fascinated by it while living and visiting there. It is an endangered language. I think those languages are important to preserve. Even if I am not able to converse in it, I would like to be able to understand more of the words when I see them. I’d also like to learn Gaelic someday and travel to Scotland - where my ancestors are from.
