Didn't you have a chance to learn Spanish in school? Or did you choose another language?
I don't fault you personally if your school did not require the study of a foreign language (even though Spanish is not all that "foreign"). I'm an old fogie who grew up in the days when studying another language was mandatory for almost everyone. As a matter of fact, I think that everyone should be able to speak Spanish AND English. I have a hard time understanding that in this day and age, when internationalism is so much a part of our daily lives, education can be so insular.
As for your being 18 -- yes, that might make a difference. I don't want to make unfair assumptions, so let me ask: if you are still going to high school, do you have another afterschool job besides the hotel job? Are you deeply involved in extracurricular afterschool activities, or in an activity not related to school, such as playing in a band? Do you take a lot of responsibility at home, helping out with childcare, housekeeping, cooking? You don't really have to give me a direct answer; if these are the things that keep you busy (along with studying, of course), I can understand how hard it is for you to fit in anything more. But if the "freedom" you enjoy so much is merely hanging out, I'd say you are wasting the time you could be using to learn on your own. ("Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose.")
My point, once again, is that if you are serious about learning and doing the best you can, YOU must make the effort.  |