Voices overlap into a unifying atmosphere. Words roll off tongues in passionate speeches. Different languages meet in the same room to reveal the similarities and uniquities of cultures. Language can be a unifying aspect in humanity. Though there are barriers that rise in conversations, they can be breached by technology and education. This grants us the ability to connect with others across the world. The Spanish language is one of the most passionate languages in the world. Its rapid pace and soft vowels often inspire lovers and believers, and the language remains one of the most studied in American colleges.

Tatiana Ripoll-Páez is one of many Spanish professors in America. However, she is the only Spanish professor at Rosemont College. Currently teaching Introductory to Spanish, she also teaches upper level courses, sparking students’ excitement for the language for years. She discovered Rosemont while she was attending Villanova University for her masters in Hispanic Studies. When she found Rosemont, she remembers, “It’s a great community where everybody knows everybody. It felt very homey, so…it was perfect.” So, she applied for a full time position in 2009, and had remained a valued member of the community ever since.

Superando los obstáculos

Teaching another language can reveal some obstacles. Determining the best way to introduce a language, as well as help students become fluent in one is both exciting and intriguing. Many students write down memorized words on quizzes or tests, ensuring that they are retaining the information to move forward. However, Tatiana enjoys another format of expanding the language with students. She explains, “I love to teach short stories, because I get to cover a lot more authors. We got to talk about so many topics—current and past, and it gets them really thinking.” Tatiana loves helping students disappear into short stories, while also implementing the Spanish language and culture. Through this, she offers them two tactics of learning in one lesson. Furthermore, these opportunities give students the chance to learn more about those authors. “We do cover all women [stories] mainly from Spain and Latin America,” Tatiana says with a glimmer in her eyes. If the students are attending an elective course, they have the chance to experience these stories in English. However, if they are pursuing a major or minor, they must do all writing and research in Spanish. “It really is a lot more work…but it’s really fulfilling.”

Colaboración

Tatiana helped create a collaboration event between Rosemont and business communities. Tatiana has collaborated with the business department and Dr. Christine Hagedorn, to invite “different people who have used languages in the industry to do presentations for students to know how many doors get opened for them when they speak a different language,” Tatiana explains.

Another Collaboration with Claudia Brown—the French professor at Rosemont—offered by the “Love of Languages” forums; created a sense of connection and excitement for the future as more students gained an understanding of the entire world. One such guest speaker, Tatiana recalls, “talked about how the learning of languages helped her not just become a journalist, but also live in Paris to do her work. We [also] had someone who was very nice…from the Middle East who helps…educate girls.” Constantly expanding students’ knowledge and introducing them to many different cultures and languages, the Love of Language forums inspired many students for the few years they ran.

Viaje al Extranjero

Tatiana also focuses on international travel opportunities. She currently leads the Study Abroad program, and creates the programs that take students to Ireland, Italy and other locations for cultural adventures. Tatiana says with a smile, “I used to prepare students to go to Spain…I had a student who found a job…[who] took courses in Spain, then she found a job, and she went there to work for a while.” Constantly revealing opportunities both in the United States of America and internationally, Tatiana remains a wonderful asset to Rosemont’s Spanish students.

Enseñar con Pasión

Tatiana strives to treat her students as if they were her children, teaching them, while also learning from them. She yearns to share her wisdom and experiences in order to expand their knowledge and respect. She explains, “I hope that when we talk in class about my experiences, they get the opportunity to know that life is not a straight line. There are a lot of things that could be right in front of you, but [also], when one door closes, another door opens.” Tatiana does everything she can to prepare her students for the world, especially one that contains so many unique beliefs and cultures. “I want [students] to make sure they know that you are in a new place, new situation, new country, just take it how it is,” Tatiana says with passion, “That’s why learning is important. Learning the language is how you learn the culture. That doesn’t mean you have to change, but you have to adapt to the culture.”

Ampliando la Sabiduría y la Cultura

Tatiana offers many different forms of advice to her students, ensuring that they will find success in their lives. She reminds them that one of the greatest ways to understand themselves is not just by knowing their strengths. She says, “I think that people need to know not just what you are good at, but also what you are not good at. Because that will help you in the future to be happy with what you do.”

The world is blanketed by different cultures, all have features and flaws that are worth studying and understanding. Tatiana may be the only Spanish teacher at Rosemont College; however, she is also an incredible asset to the academic world of languages, culture, and respect. As her students move forward, they do so with pride and anticipation, leaping toward their goals, striving to respect languages and cultures in their careers, and enhancing the dream of a world filled with respect and compassion.