Personal Narrative-It's Time To Speak Spanish

Family can be annoying until you realize they are not. As a young girl, I remember the uneasiness that would wash over me whenever I had to speak Spanish with my family. My flushed cheeks were testament to my lack of proficiency. My family constantly picked out the words I mispronounced or misplaced in my sentences. Oftentimes, my grandparents would give me an ultimatum: to speak Spanish or not to speak at all.

One day, volunteering at my local hospital, a registered nurse had inquired if any of the individuals collected at the nurses' station could speak Spanish. They gave each other quizzical looks before looking at me. I felt obligated; after all I did check the little box for 'Spanish' on my volunteer application. Aware that my Spanish was flawed, I nevertheless asked the nurse how I could be of help. My mind ran with apprehension as I followed her to a patient’s room; I seldom spoke Spanish to people outside of my family.

Entering the room, an elderly couple greeted us warmly in Spanish. Inquisitively, the woman asked, "I’ve seen you before, did you live in Havana?” Her husband, accustomed to her confusion, dismissed her query saying, “Don't pay attention to her.” He turned to his wife and asked her to contemplate how young I was and how many years had passed since they had left Cuba. "How is that possible?” she continued in Spanish. …show more content…
The confidence I established that day at the hospital continuously grows, encouraging me to apply my linguistic abilities outside the comfort of my home. By engaging in conversations with strangers and addressing language barriers when necessary, I have determined that I can face challenges without the safety of my family. The appreciation I developed for my heritage has taught me the opportunity hardships bring, the opportunity for personal