Growing up in Queens, NY, I was surrounded by culture and language.
I started taking Spanish in the third grade with Señora Josefina Johnson at a small private school, and I instantly loved it. It didn’t feel like homework. It felt like connection.
My neighbors two doors down were Puerto Rican, and Spanish was woven into my everyday life. In many ways, it still is.
Over the years, I’ve continued to study Spanish — sometimes consistently, sometimes in bursts — but always with a sense of purpose. Not just for travel (though I love a good trip to Mexico), but also for the quiet confidence it gives me in new settings. One of my goals is to eventually use Spanish in my career, especially in HR, where connection is everything.
Whether you’re just starting or returning to a language you once loved, learning as an adult hits differently — it’s not just about vocabulary. It’s about making space for joy, growth, and maybe even a career expansion down the line.
If you’ve been thinking about picking up Spanish (or any language), here are a few tools and resources I’ve used and loved:
🧡 italki
Real teachers, 1:1 support, and the flexibility to learn on your schedule. I’ve used italki off and on for years, and it’s one of the most human-centered ways to build your skills and confidence.
👉🏾 Try italki here
🟠 Babbel
I have a lifetime subscription to Babbel because I genuinely believe in their structure. The lessons are short, practical, and built for busy adults. It’s perfect for brushing up on your own time.
👉🏾 Explore Babbel
💬 Spanish for Black Girls by Kaywanda Lamb
This one holds a special place in my heart. Kaywanda’s approach is affirming, welcoming, and deeply effective. I’ve taken lessons with her and highly recommend her program, especially for Black women who want a culturally aware and encouraging learning space.
👉🏾 Check out Spanish for Black Girls
💚 Duolingo
Duolingo is the OG for me. I use it for quick, daily practice and love how gamified it feels. It's a great starting point or supplement to other tools.
I’ll leave you with this…
Whether you’re learning for travel, career growth, or the pure joy of it, language learning is a beautiful investment in yourself. You’re not too old. It’s not too late. And you don’t need to be fluent overnight — you just need to begin.
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