I am a graduate of Saint John's University (Collegeville, MN). I received my Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies, and hold a minor in Creative Writing. My semester-long study abroad trip to Viña del Mar, Chile was fundamental to my development as a Spanish speaker and a person. I attended Universidad Adolfo Ibanez, taking classes on Chilean culture, art, the Pinochet regime, and linguistics. These Spanish-only classes were tough, but not as tough as daily life was with my host family. Chileans speak a rapid, fragmented, and slang-filled version of Spanish, and my three, lovely host mothers were no exception. At the end of my four months in Chile, I could call myself a confident, fluent Spanish speaker, writer, and reader. My favorite subjects to teach are Spanish I and II. These levels are the building blocks of Spanish, and, as such, allow for more mistakes to be made and more fun to be had. I want my students to enjoy learning the language and realize that it is a life skill, not just a school subject. If a student feels that Spanish is strictly academic, his/her motivation will be low and progress slow. In my free time, I like to watch movies, read, walk, run, ride my bike, or otherwise enjoy the great outdoors.

Q&A with Michael

Tutoring Subjects