Spanish Student Spotlight: Full-Time Nurse Kat Mirate

“Our Spanish class is one of the highlights of my week. Nattachya’s joyful energy makes learning fun, even on my hardest days.”

— Kat Mirate, Adult Spanish Student & Nurse

Meet one of our favorite in-person Spanish students at Speak!, Kat — a UVA nurse and a naturally curious learner. Kat often arrives early for her Spanish lessons, and it’s impossible not to notice the excitement she brings with her. There’s a lightness and anticipation in the way she settles in before class begins. Her rapport with her teacher, Nattachya, is immediate and joyful — their laughter often wafts out through the classroom doors, a reminder that learning can be both meaningful and genuinely fun. We were also able to schedule Kat’s lessons on her days off, which has been ideal for her demanding schedule as a nurse. That flexibility, paired with real human connection, has made Spanish something she looks forward to each week, not just another item on her to-do list.

In the interview below, Kat shares her story — from growing up multilingual in the Philippines to learning Spanish as an adult, and how human-led learning has helped her build confidence, connection, and joy in both her work and everyday life.

Kat, all smiles before her Spanish lesson with Nattachya.

Hola Kat - tell us a little bit about yourself by way of introduction. 

I am originally from The Philippines. I came here in 2018 to work as a nurse. Growing up, I was exposed to 3 languages, which are Bicol, Tagalog and English. The other two- English and Tagalog are required learnings in school, from kindergarten and until you finish college. 

What inspired you to start learning Spanish? Was your motivation personal, professional or a mix of both? 

I could say that it was mostly personal interest. I am a very curious person and growing up I like knowing the meaning of a word for example, in English and what is their equivalent meaning in say, Tagalog.

Spanish also has very similar pronunciation with Tagalog or Bicol, so I know it will be a little bit easier for me to learn them compared to other languages. Plus, I love Hispanic culture.

You already come from a multilingual background — how has that shaped the way you approach learning Spanish?

Having previous experiences in learning other languages, I already have an idea on what to expect when learning a new one and what has worked for me before. I know that there will be growing pains along the way.

As a nurse at UVA, how do you see Spanish helping you in your work (now or in the future)?

I had several interactions now with patients where I can connect with them just by knowing some Spanish. We had this patient who was a Spanish teacher before and while we are conversing in Spanish, she would teach me on how to say something or express my thoughts in Spanish.

In the future, when I know more of the language, it would be very helpful in emergency situations when a patient only speaks Spanish and we needed to communicate with them quick.

Why did you choose Speak! for learning Spanish? 

I chose Speak because I had this impression that it fosters connection between people. There are also options on what kind of classes you want to take, plus Speak! has been in the business for more than a decade. The very first time I saw our classroom area, I felt joy, excitement and calmness.

What’s it been like learning with our instructor, Nattachya? 

This is the most fun experience I have ever had in studying!! Nattachya is very committed to teaching me Spanish and she makes sure that we don’t miss classes or I get more exposure to the language even when I am not in class. Her joyful personality and energy is also very contagious, that even on my bad days, I feel happy during or after our class. Our Spanish class is one of the highlights of my week!

You started with in-person lessons a few months ago. How’s that been going for you?

I like in-person because there is more connection between the student and teacher. It develops camaraderie and as we all know, having connections or interactions with people (especially if your teacher is Nattachya!) is good for our wellbeing. There is also less pressure when you are in a 1 on 1 class, you can go in your own pace.

Have you noticed any changes in your confidence or comfort level speaking Spanish since starting lessons??

Small wins - I can understand the signs around UVA (translated to Spanish) now. :) I now have favorite Spanish songs that I can sing along! (with the aid of a lyric)

I can have small conversations now with my Spanish speaking patients or even with my co-worker’s Spanish speaking patients. It brings a lot of joy knowing that a patient speaks Spanish, you have this commonality with them and that fosters great communication and connection.

What motivates you to keep going with Spanish?

For me, learning Spanish has given me something to look forward to everyday. 

Just for fun:
What’s one Spanish word, phrase, or moment that made you smile or feel proud recently?

There’s a couple! POR, PARA, Esto, Eso, Esa, … or Cuanto Tiempo Hace Que or Antes de or Después de …

For sure it is not SER and ESTAR hahaha