JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Learning a new language can open doors to careers, friendships and everyday connections.
At the University of North Florida, Spanish instructor Johana Barrero is helping students build those connections through an immersive, student-focused classroom.
Barrero, who has been working at the university for eight years, said she designs specific lessons around her students’ goals, whether they plan to work in international business, law, health care or another field.
“The Hispanic community here in Jacksonville is growing a lot,” Barrero said. “I can see, and my colleagues can see, the increase in the interest of students in learning Spanish.”
Students say the class gives them practical skills they can use beyond campus.
Junior Bellina Bonamego, an art history major who hopes to work in museums, said speaking Spanish could help her.
“I just think it’ll be nice to have that human connection,” she said.
Sophomore Ethan McKinnie, an international studies major, hopes to work at a U.S. embassy.
“We really like Señorita Barrero because she’s funny and relatable,” McKinnie said. “She tries her best to give us explanations on why we do certain things in Spanish.”
Other students already use their skills in daily life. Sophomore Ajani Secor said he often translates for customers at work.
“I help students who don’t speak English, so Spanish to English – English [to] Spanish,” he said.
Senior Katie Howell said her relationship with the language is personal.
“I have lots of friends, and my boyfriend is Hispanic,” Howell said.
Barrero also encourages students to practice outside the classroom through UNF’s Language and Culture Lab. The resource offers tutoring, extra help, and “El Cafecito,” a conversation hour open to students and the community.
“I call it ‘Where the magic happens,’” Barrero said.
Her goal is for students to leave UNF with more than a completed course on their transcripts.
“I want my students to graduate saying, ‘I use Spanish now,’” Barrero said. “Not to graduate saying, ‘I took Spanish.’”
