Learning a Language is a noble endeavor

Languages are something that I love. Although it appears that many languages are too different for us to learn, I believe that with dedication and passion, we can come closer to understanding them.

Languages benefit us in so many ways. For instance, when we learn a foreign language, we feel greater compassion for those trying to learn our own language. Learning a language allows us to expand our horizons and build connections with other people. It allows you to warmly welcome a brand new foreign exchange student, or find your way in another country that has few people who speak your language.

Seeing language as a process instead of an event helps learners to get better. This is why it is difficult to explain to someone whether or not you are fluent in a language. One of my classmates asked a professor of mine (who has taught and studied Spanish for many years) "When did you start to dominate Spanish?" His response was thought-provoking: He said he hasn't yet.

That moment rekindled my determination that we should always strive to continue learning and improving. Sometimes it can be easy to be apathetic about something we have are good at, and from my own experience I have found this to be the case. We have to always have a passion to keep working.

So as you go about learning, remember to never settle for less.