A Disneyland Cast Member’s Dream Comes True
When I was 12 I began to acquire workbooks and tapes that promised to teach me Spanish “in no time.” I took these exaggerated claims seriously for the next 2 decades. Every once in awhile I would tackle the subject anew, only to give up when the material inevitably became overwhelming.
Years later I saw that many of my co-workers at Disneyland had foreign-language designations on their nametags. Some even had more than one. I was inspired one last time (or bust!) to try learning Spanish. I got myself a shiny, new course from the internet and dug in.
I made more progress than ever before with Marcus Santamaria’s “Synergy Spanish,” and began to experiment with live conversation. When I heard someone speaking Spanish or saw that they had a badge, I’d say “Hola.” Co-workers were eager to help – this marked the beginning of many new friendships that I continue to enjoy.
One of these fellow cast members had 5 language badges! He emphatically recommended that I get the CD courses by Michel Thomas. Why? Because, he explained, Thomas teaches how the entire Spanish language is built, dramatically affecting future study. Sold!
Six months later I took Disneyland’s oral exam in Spanish and earned my bilingual badge. I practice with native speakers at work and regularly assist guests. I learn a little something new from every encounter; this has become fun.
I’ve moved on to “LearningSpanishLikeCrazy.com” and “LoMasTV.com.” Fluency is some unknown number of years away, but for me, the impossible has been accomplished – I can have a conversation in Spanish. My childhood dream is coming true.
