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• Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual, or a certain aspect of the culture?

  I grew up speaking Spanish, as it’s my native language. I’ve always loved languages and learning about different cultures, and after living abroad and travelling, I’ve come to appreciate even more how much language can connect people. That’s one of the reasons I really enjoy helping others learn Spanish in a fun, practical and natural way.

• Can you name a living, historical, or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I would say Don Quixote, the famous character from Miguel de Cervantes’ novel. He’s one of the most iconic figures in Spanish literature and represents many aspects of Spanish culture, from our love of storytelling and adventure to our sense of humour and imagination. I also think his character reflects the Spanish spirit in a fun and unique way.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition, or expression in the language that you particularly like?

  One word I particularly like is “sobremesa”. It describes the time you spend sitting at the table after a meal, talking and enjoying the company of family or friends. I love it because it reflects an important part of Spanish culture: taking your time, enjoying good food and, most importantly, enjoying the people around you. It’s something very simple, but I think it says a lot about our way of life.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Spanish matters to me because it’s a big part of who I am and where I come from. It allows me to connect with my family, my culture and my roots, but I also love that language can bring people from different backgrounds together. Having lived and travelled abroad, I’ve seen how learning a language can open doors to new experiences, friendships and cultures. That’s why I really enjoy helping others discover Spanish and feel more confident using it.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  I think one of the main challenges when learning Spanish is getting used to all the different verb conjugations and tenses. Spanish has quite a lot of grammar rules, which can feel overwhelming at first. However, I believe that practising regularly and using the language in real conversations makes a huge difference. My advice is to not be afraid of making mistakes, as they are a natural part of learning. The more you listen, speak and use Spanish in everyday situations, the more naturally it starts to come to you.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  One of my most memorable experiences was when I first moved abroad and had to communicate in English every day. I remember feeling nervous about making mistakes, especially when I couldn’t find the right words, but I soon realised that the more I spoke, the more confident I became. It taught me that you don’t need to speak a language perfectly to connect with people, and that making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Living in Australia was a turning point in my English. Being surrounded by English every day meant I had to use it constantly, whether at work, with friends or in everyday situations. It helped me become much more confident and taught me expressions and ways of speaking that you simply don’t learn from a textbook. It also showed me how much you can improve when you fully immerse yourself in a language and culture.