Reverse ESL

For sometime now I've wanted to pick up a second language, I feel I need the distraction, something outside my typical classes, something 'un-attached' to the rest of my life; a people, culture, land, something different, and especially something 'clean'. The past couple months I've been thinking more and more about the missions trips Young Life does, being curious about a summer long trip to Ecuador next year as well as the early year and spring break trips to Mexico and Peru, naturally getting back into Spanish would provide a great boon should I make it on any of the trips. I've already had three years of Espanol in high school though I wasn't very studious about it, just enough to make the grade and move on. I'd start over from scratch where I'm sure I'd fly through the very beginner material. I'm having some trouble seeing Spanish as the distraction I need though, too many ties to high school and a particularly difficult time in my life, especially going into the '01-'02 year, I remember being so passionate in Ms. Kimzin's class, somehow able to find myself really caring about the language, I really don't know if I'm ready to face off with that. Also, outside of what I feel to be a vaguely possible mission trip, I really don't see any other need or want to learn the language.

Originally, when I began getting the urge to take up a secondary language, back over a year ago, I was debating between Japanese and Chinese, having long appreciated each culture, among a myriad of others, through what foreign film I managed to happen across from time-to-time. In the end I felt more inclined to learn Nihongo and scheduled a course starting this Fall.

I often go back and reconsider however, I'm still not really sure, this summer I'll look more closely at it and keep talking with my fellow club members in regards to their experiences in South America.

I have also long considered providing ESL instruction to foreigner learners, thinking it would be something I can do to volunteer without being too strenuous on me, something I can enjoy. I need to fill out some paperwork with the learning center on campus, or possibly volunteer through Maricopa Literacy Volunteers. With a bit of effort this should prove something I can do over the summer.

peace,
~Dixon