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I have gone from not really being able to convey anything to being able to form sentences and pretty much say whatever I want to say.
My great grandparents on my mom's side are from Mexico. Growing up I remember listening to various family members speaking Spanish and wished I could understand and speak with them. I took Spanish in high school and in college and they were my favorite subjects although I was nowhere near fluent. I always felt like I had some "unfinished business" in becoming fluent in Spanish.
Not very good. As I mentioned, I took Spanish classes in high school and college (25+ years ago) but most of my Spanish consisted of knowing some vocabulary words. I did learn some conjugations in the past but I really had no recollection of them.
I stumbled across the Accelerated Spanish podcast in Apple Podcasts and enjoyed them. I liked the unique approach of learning through following the story of Joel. I was hesitant because I was not sure if someone of my age who did not currently know much Spanish could become fluent. I was also self-conscious about speaking in front of the teachers and the group classes. Tim and the teachers took the time to answer my questions and were very patient. Since there was no long-term commitment, I thought, Why not give it a try?
They give you the formula for the grammar and the conjugations. Once you learn this formula, it is just a matter of applying this formula to different things you want to say, which makes it easier. Also, all of the instructors are native speakers. Something I was not expecting is the friends I have made with the instructors and other participants who are all over the world.
It is hard to narrow to just one thing but I would say the journal that we are encouraged to keep and turn in weekly. The journal helps you get into the practice of forming what you want to say in Spanish. You send it to them and they correct it and send it back to you. You can use this to practice what you want to say in real situations. I also have to mention how patient the instructors are. Diana, Ailen and Carolina have been so helpful and are patient and understanding. The group classes (in addition to the one on one class with an instructor) give you a chance to "use" your Spanish multiple times per week.
I have gone from not really being able to convey anything to being able to form sentences and pretty much say whatever I want to say. There is still vocabulary that I do not know but usually I am able to convey what I want to say by pulling from vocabulary that I do know.
I am a volunteer in an organization that helps disadvantaged people. This organization often needs someone who can communicate with Spanish speakers. I am now helping with this which is very rewarding. I also like that I can speak with my Mexican family members in Spanish. Also, I am confident in living/spending time in Spanish speaking countries and knowing that I can get by without only spending time in tourist areas. I am looking forward to traveling more to Spanish speaking countries.
You will not regret it. The instructors are very kind and patient. Just do it!