ABOUT THE LEARNER...

          Autobiography          

My name is Estefany Torres, I’m 18 years old.  I study Foreign Languages in the Sucre's University or La Universidad de Sucre. I have decided to study foreign languages (French and English) since I have always loved singing in English. Nowadays, I love learning languages because they have made me aware of many things. Years ago, I would have judged someone because of their culture, beliefs or customs. Now, I understand them. I’m conscious that not everyone is raised in the say way as me, I understand that we all are different but equal at the same time.

 Learning languages has been a very exciting rollercoaster. Living and learning languages in a small city like Sincelejo, where I am supposed to put them into practice, is quite difficult. However, when you love what you do, nothing is impossible. During these two years, I have experienced what living under the pressure of the University life means. It has not been an easy road, I even once thought about not finishing my degree but I am glad that my determination was stronger.

The program “Licenciatura en Lenguas Extranjeras” is a new one in my University, which means that we still do not have all that is necessary to learn languages in a successful manner. Nevertheless, I have counted on incredible teachers that motivate us to maintain and spread the language learning all over the city. 

A curious fact about me is that in the first semester, I did not even picture myself as a teacher even though I knew my degree was a ‘licenciatura’.  All I wanted to do was to become a  tour guide or another thing that did not involve teaching at all. Now, I do picture myself as a teacher. I want to make my future students fall in love with English and if I am given the opportunity, to make them fall in love with French as well.  I want to instill in them the love for learning foreign languages because I am a complete believer in the idea that when you learn another language, you discover another world.

My experiences as a learner of French and English have helped me to become more autonomous and responsible. I am sure that this definitely will help when I start teaching in a classroom since while learning I have become aware of the importance of taking into account my students' desires, beliefs, and needs. 
Also, I remember that when I was in the third grade (the first time I was in contact with English)  I did not like English at all, maybe because my experience with the teacher was not good. But, when I started the sixth grade and I met teacher Nelsy Calderin I changed my mind. Which definitely taught me that building rapport, having a good relationship with your students is an important factor that can help you guarantee a successful learning.