I wanted to experience different cultures and languages, so I moved to Madrid, Spain in 2019. While I was there, learning Spanish and living my daily life surrounded by it, I understood fulfillment. Learning a language can be the most rewarding, sometimes frustrating thing a person can do. There are ups, and there are downs and it can sometimes be overwhelming. I realized how many people wanted to improve their English level, and that I was able to help them work to achieve that goal. Learning a new language rewarded me with connecting me to people from different backgrounds than my own. What started as learning vocabulary in my room alone turned into ordering food in restaurants by myself, which turned into little conversations in coffee shops, which turned into meaningful conversations in coffee shops. I came back to teach English as a Second Language at Iowa Central Community College. While interacting with students of various backgrounds, the idea for The English Lagoon was born. I found a real love for teaching English effectively and began exploring and researching different methods. I designed a program based on what I found to be the most effective strategies I even use these methods in my own language learning! With learning any new language, it takes true patience, dedication, and passion. I wanted to expand my reach and create a community of learners because learning a language does take a community. I believe the reason we learn new languages is to connect with people, either in business or personal relationships. And in my experience, the best way to learn is interacting with other people face-to-face (or in our case, screen-to-screen). I hope to establish meaningful connections between people all over the world in my native language. I am here to help you and provide whatever resources that I can. Try the trial class with me and ask me any questions you can think of. I can't wait to meet you and say “Hello!”