Student of the Month February 2023
Sam is 2023’s first Student of the Month - well done Sam!
She has been with us since 2019 and has, to date, completed 12 semesters. She began with a Spanish Chick class, and has now moved up to Fledgling classes. Sam’s progression is something to be celebrated all around so we sat down for a wee chat with her to discuss language learning with Lingo, progression, the value of continued learning and the enjoyment she gets out of her classes!
- What made you start the classes at Lingo Flamingo?
I spent some time at uni in France and since then have always loved being able to communicate in another language. I wanted to learn a second and one of my best friends lives in Madrid so Spanish seemed like the perfect choice. I started in late 2019 (I think) and haven't looked back. I found Lingo online when I was googling local classes and really loved the business model and ethos behind language learning. My gran passed away recently after a long fight with Alzheimer's and so Lingo Flamingo's alignment with dementia prevention and brain health has always made it feel like the perfect fit!
- Where did your language journey take you?
I started with practically no spanish at all in the Chick class and since then have grown to being able to give it a go and converse when I am travelling. I have a long way to go but I have the confidence to practise and love taking the opportunity when I am in Spain.
- Do you have any tips for continued learning?
Pure perseverance I think! I really look forward to my structured classes with LF, but try to expose myself to Spanish where possible - with Duolingo, by watching Spanish TV shows and films and practising when I can. Even if you are not understanding everything (or sometimes anything - see Narcos, Mexico!) at least you are surrounded by the sounds of the language.
- How do you find the Lingo Flamingo classes?
I love them. I have some regular faces in class now who I really enjoy seeing every week and catching up, and the classes are always really well set out with a good mix of conversation, listening, reading etc.
- When you’re not at Lingo Flamingo, what do you get up to?
I work for an engineering firm in Glasgow and love anything active. I play volleyball and love travelling and walking my big daft dog Monty who frequently joins our classes on the video.