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Octavian S.
Languages: English as a Second Language (ESL), French, Italian, Romanian, Spanish
As a child I have had always the curiosity to explore different places of the world and getting to know different cultures, their customs, their traditions, and their simple way of life. Language and communication is the main door to enter and explore this beautiful unknown of borderless infinite that awaits. Additionally, curiosity and wonder are the invitation cards that let one to navigate and explore this beautiful universe called cultural diversity. Language is my ally that is always on my side to easily navigate into this array of beautiful cultural and travel adventures.
I have been fortunate enough to study language at an early age, French when I was 9, and been born in Europe (Romania) helped me to explore more into this curiosity of different languages and cultures. Having aunts and uncles in Spain, France and Italy nurtured my horizon into deeper learning and being able to sporadically engage in other languages, was an awesome adventure for me at that young age. At times, when I was not able to travel, I have always pictured how is to imagine living in that country, being part of that culture and embraced it fully.
Moving to United States at age 22, I have embraced more of the American culture. As I have been learning English, I had the curiosity of discovering the Latin American culture and its people, customs and traditions while my learning experience was growing. Graduated at age 28 with my bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in French, I decided to pursue my curiosity into a deeper learning, as I have achieved my master’s degree on “Hispanic Studies” with emphasize on Spanish and Italian cultures. Though it was an interesting and fruitful process, I always wanted to keep my other languages “alive”.
As a result, I have also been an interpreter and a translator for 15 years for Cook County Circuit City of Chicago, USA, as I was an active member in translating and interpreting a variety of court cases ranging from immigration, medical insurance, adoption, criminal felonies, wills and family matters. Handling cases to interpret and translate from English to French, Italian, Romanian and Spanish made me a strong and fortified bridge of communication and helped me to defeat language barriers that existed between the two parties in a process that could have been resulted into fatal consequences due to the lack of understanding the language.
As I share my journey with you, I invite you to explore our languages we are offering, and I will be glad to be your fountain of inspiration and a future leader of bridges of communication and culture! Do not let your curiosity for knowledge to explore world culture and travel fade away and have your “key” ready to explore a new country, its people, and its traditions! It is worth it, I guarantee it!
Enjoy your future culture and travel adventures!
Gavin H.
Languages: English as a Second Language (ESL), French
Bonjour!
At first, my exposure to French was gradual but it soon became consuming. As a teenager, I was interested in French food and literature. That interest soon became a passion for the French language and culture. Through the study of the language, I was able to access music, film, history, and most importantly personal relationships across the world. After graduating with a degree in French Language and Culture, I moved to Paris where I taught in both a Middle School and a High School. When I returned to the U.S., I began working as an Interpreter and Instructor for newly settled Congolese immigrants. Though I loved interpreting, I missed the connection made in the classroom with students and young learners. I returned to teaching French at the High School level.
Language learning is journey rather than a simple destination. My goal is to inspire students through personal anecdotes and to demonstrate that questions never end—because there is world to explore! The Francophonie is vast and offers something for everybody. So, whether it be France, Congo, Canada, or Louisiana the French language opens many doors to culture and I cannot wait to share this each of my students.
À Bientôt!
Mayte H.
Languages: English as a Second Language (ESL), Spanish
I was born in the City of Havana, Cuba, English is my second language coming from that perspective I can relate to what it means to be a learner of a foreign language. When learning a second language many have a strong desire to become fluent speakers, but in my own view, a more realistic goal is to communicate effectively. As an instructor of Spanish, and English as a Second Language (ESL), I aim to provide my learners with the tools to achieve this important goal.
EDUCATION
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN HISPANIC LITERARY AND CULTURAL STUDIES. • 2012 – 2020 • UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO Specialize in Caribbean Literary Studies.
MASTER IN HISPANIC STUDIES. • 2010 – 2012 • UNIVERSITY OF
ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
BA. IN SPANISH • 2006 – 2008 • UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO