It’s been quite some time since my last post – to be honest, the past few months of my life have been so full and so hectic that I hadn’t taken the chance to reflect until over winter break. Thinking back, I achieved quite a lot that I am very proud to share.
I began the semester rather disappointed that my study abroad plans for fall 2018 fell through, but I turned that disappointment into determination to study abroad in spring 2019 instead. From the first day of the semester I was in close contact with the study abroad office and I continued to research the city of Madrid – the neighborhoods, hot restaurants and clubs, travel within Spain as well as Europe, etc.
It was around this time that I also began working for my university as an academic tutor. Over the course of the semester I tutored a total of fifteen students in six different subjects: micro- and macroeconomics, financial and managerial accounting, finance, and organizational behavior. Tutoring is the only real way I have gotten involved on campus since I came back to school and I wish I had started earlier! Seeing my students work so hard over the course of the semester and earn better grades as a result of tutoring is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I am looking forward to tutoring this semester as well – I’m hoping to add statistics and most levels of Spanish to my repertoire of subjects.
I made the Tutor Spotlight baord! 
I was particularly proud of my whiteboard during this Finance session.
In preparation to study abroad I took two advanced Spanish courses this semester: phonetics and diction as well as advanced grammar and composition. These two classes were the academic highlight of my semester. Not only did I earn high As in each class, but I was exposed to resources that have supercharged my motivation to master Spanish. Using the language every day kept it fresh in my mind and gave me the time and skill necessary to advance toward fluency at a much faster pace.
A few times throughout the semester I had heard about programs to work and teach abroad – one in particular that piqued my interest is the Auxiliares de Conversación. The Spanish government hires native English speakers every year to work in public schools to aid English instructors and teach students about the culture in English-speaking countries. One of my professors was from Galicia, an autonomous community in Spain, and was a great source of information and inspiration to explore the program.
Six weeks before the end of the semester I learned that my study abroad plans would again fall through – the partner university in Madrid does not offer classes that I need in order to graduate in May. Disappointed once more by the change of plans, I decided that I would still do my best to make the best of a bad situation. I am now set to graduate in May with no need to take summer classes! I have also submitted my application to teach in Spain next year – here’s to hoping I can eventually make it across the pond!
The semester was so full with work, studying, and weekend trips that my poor camera sat neglected most weeks. I kicked myself into high gear during peak foliage week here in the mountains and toward the end of the semester: other than that I have almost no photos to show from the last four months.
Jack-John during a studio shoot 
My good friend Hurst’s family during a weekend on Groundhog Mountain
On a slightly more positive note, two of my photos were chosen to appear in the student magazine (link) this semester! I’m thankful to Jorge and Ahmad for agreeing to photo shoots. My mom was so excited for me to be published that she came up for the release party! Thanks mom for the snaps 🙂
Jorge in “Yee Haw Payaso” 
Ahmad in “naturaleza”
My semester starts in three short days. I’m back in Boone after almost a month at home with family, friends, and no schedule at all. After so much time away from school I am happy to return and have a routine. I’ve set a few goals for myself over the course of the semester: continue to increase my GPA until I graduate, earn and save money to fund my travels, work towards Spanish fluency by listening to music, watching movies, reading out loud, and speaking; and finally, take more photos!