My New Year's resolution for 2009 has been to learn to speak Spanish.I'm not necessarily starting from ground zero since I took several Spanish language classes in college -- earned a minor in it in fact. But that doesn't mean I'm any good or have much confidence in my ability to carry on a conversation. So I'm drilling away; at home with my old college textbooks; in my car with some new and fun "learn Spanish" CD's; and boldly, awkwardly practicing now and then with Hispanic and Latino friends and acquaintances (mis amigos). And now I'm very happy (tener gusto) to be able to do some Spanish learning at work too! Next week I, along with12 fellow employees from our Willmar, Marshall and Redwood Falls Bremer Banks, are participating in a "Spanish for Banking" class. For the next nine weeks (nueve semanas) for a couple hours early Tuesday (martes) mornings at the banks we'll work on language basics such as greetings, phrases, numbers and words used in banking transactions. Bremer is working with Ridgewater College to offer us this opportunity. More than once I have been encouraged by Spanish speaking community members and customers that being greeted in Spanish and hearing a few phrases in their language, even if said not perfectly, is most welcoming. Bienvenidos!
Posted by Lois Schmidt, NRS, Willmar
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