011: How I learnt Spanish

Journal Entry Date: May 31, 2021 

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA 

Entry#: 21 

My Spanish speaking journey... I really don't know where to start. Soon after I was born, my mother took me to the Dominican Republic. So maybe it started then. 

In the U.S. you can choose to study either French or Spanish. I don't know why I chose the latter. Maybe my mother decided for me. She was a Spanish teacher so that would make sense. But I didn't learn a lot of Spanish through school to be honest. I never took it seriously, but also the reason to learn was never very strong either. 

I remember being a high school sophomore in an advanced Spanish class. Why I was in an advanced Spanish class, I really don't know. Probably because my freshmen Spanish teacher knew my mother spoke Spanish. But I struggled in that advanced class. One time I came into class to get extra practice. Instead of reading the book or doing homework I took a celeb magazine and began reading it and trying to figure out what it was saying about celebs. For me getting good grades was not enough of a reason to try and learn Spanish. 

Without a strong reason it's very difficult to learn a language. I found my strong personal reason to learn Spanish in 2013 when I moved to the Dominican Republic. I had to learn Spanish there because if I wanted to eat fast food, take a taxi or get my haircut I needed to explain myself in Spanish. So my language acquisition skyrocketed during that time. 

But the biggest reason I know as much Spanish as I do today is because of my ex girlfriend Mixi. I was with her for two years and spoke to her almost everyday while we were together. That repetition really solidified a lot of vocabulary and phrases to the point that I won't forget. 

So, my Spanish isn't perfect and I'm probably at a high beginner / low intermediate level. But I've gotten to this point because I found my reason to learn and I would suggest you soul search to find yours before  starting to learn any foreign language.    

009: Why I am Moving to the Dominican Republic

Journal Entry Date: June 15, 2021 

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA 

Entry # : 26 

Very soon I should be graduating Miami Dade College. Like many graduates the looming questions of what will I do after uni is upon me. Because I'm 26 and have a little experience living in different countries and circumstances I feel that Dominican Republic is the best place for me to being my post academic life. 

In life, somethings are unpredictable and spontaneous, but many aspects of life on earth are patterned. Every time I've gone to the Dominican Republic (DR) I have had a good experience whether that be when I was a baby, teenager or young adult. I don't think it's a coincidence that my experiences have been positive. A part of that has to do with the culture. 

Even though I am not very talkative or overly friendly which is common to see in the Dominican culture, I am very relaxed and easy going as it relates to the process of things and to work. I will fair much better in an environment that's not so workaholic. 

Obviously, while I'm in the DR I am going to be working, but because of my savings, the USD to DR peso currency exchange  and the overall cost of living I should be able to pay all my bills and expenses in a calm and cool manner. This lack of stress financially I believe will help me socially. 

One of the hardest parts of my time in Miami until the last few months was dealing with stress. I allowed stress from different sources to prevent me from really being in relationship with other people. I strongly believe I will be able to live fully in the present instead of quietly and desperately waiting for the future. 

007: Why do I want to Travel ?

Journal Entry Date: May 6, 2021 

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA 

Entry #: 15 

This is a difficult question to answer, because there are so many reasons. The most basic element of why I want to travel is because I want to know more and experience more. To me traveling internationally is a form of education. 

Beyond that, in a social aspect, I've always been drawn to speak to people from other cultures and countries. I don't think it's a coincidence that my current job as an ESL teacher completely consists of talking with people from all over the world. 

From an economic standpoint, it also makes sense. I am not lazy, but at the same time I don't want to put in the effort and struggle it would take to establish myself here in the U.S. I just want to continue teaching, grow my Youtube channel to the point of monetization and dibble dabble in a few other small business ventures. 

For me a good regular day overseas would include, teaching, eating, making videos and having sex... in that order. Romantically speaking I want to travel because I like foreign women, straight up. To be more specific I like Latinas. It's funny because most of the romantic things I have said in my life have been in Spanish. I'm not saying I'm definitely going to marry a Latina, but it wouldn't surprise me. 

Beyond the reasons I have given I think traveling is just a strong desire in my heart and if I don't follow this desire I know I'll regret it. 

001: Life Lessons in Miami

Journal Entry: March 19, 2021

Location: Miami, Florida, USA  

I never intended on staying in Miami for almost 5 years. Truthfully, I wanted to make some money and then go back to Costa Rica to continue living with my girlfriend at the time.  But that plan didn't happen. 

Being here in Miami, I have learned that life is just a series of steps. And I have been reminded and humbled that before a baby can take a step he must crawl and to really move around his parents or guardians must help him do that. 

Similarly, I was that baby in terms of finances, perspective on life, future plans and in many other ways. 

Fortunately I was allowed the opportunity to "fail up", because my father has helped me with my living situation and also in paying for my education at Miami Dade College. 

After having to humble myself I realized that it's ok to not have it all together all the time and it's ok to ask for help from your family members. 

Now I have more appreciation for the little steps I take in life, because I know it wasn't just of my own effort, but from the effort of my family as well. And as I continue to take bigger steps in life, I will always be grounded by my time here in Miami.