¡Hola chicos! I aced my A1 Spanish exam! But the question always pops up: “So what? What’s the point?” “How’s this going to help your career?” And honestly, I don’t have an answer that’s going to satisfy everyone.
From a purely parochial,, short-term perspective, I struggle to quantify the immediate benefits. But the question I constantly ask myself is, “Will this skill help me in the long run, maybe 5–10 years down the line?” And more fundamentally, is everything just about money? Can’t we do things just because we love learning and pushing ourselves?
It’s interesting how society often values skills based on their earning potential. For instance, today many people see dancing as a viable career path because it can generate income. But years ago, this wasn’t always the case, even within my own family. It’s a reflection of how society prioritises education, often seeing extracurriculars as a luxury, especially in middle-class households, where financial constraints are a reality. I understand where society is coming from, especially considering generations who struggled to make a living in a different time altogether. It’s easy to prioritise practicality in those circumstances. But I also believe in the value of exploring new things, even if they don’t seem immediately profitable.
Returning to language learning, it’s not just about adding another skill to my resume. I’ve made amazing friends from different industries who also love languages. I’ve met some incredible women I truly admire, all from different walks of life. I’ve even been introduced to a whole new culture. Now I dream of living in a Spanish-speaking country. Spanish music is on repeat all the time, whether I’m working, cooking, walking, or running. And I can’t wait to plan my next trip!
It’s not a walk in the park, of course. Learning a new language means breaking free from your old ways of thinking and embracing new ways of seeing the world. But the journey itself is the reward. It’s not always about the money, but about the growth, the connections, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. And who knows, maybe those unexpected benefits will lead to something even greater in the future.
