Hunting For What’s Happening

Merced is home to a population of 81,120 people. Our ethnic composition includes 40,876 Hispanic residents, more than 50 percent. The most common foreign language spoken is Spanish, with more than 30 percent or 25,085 speakers. It is very common to hear Spanish anywhere you travel in town.  But have you considered learning the language?  If not, think about it, I started back in 2010 and have enjoyed a fun journey.

My journey to learn Spanish started as a fluke of sorts.  We were on a cruise from Miami to San Diego through the Panama Canal. But, we didn’t finish it. On our third day, I felt some pressure in my chest and was disembarked in Cartagena, Colombia. My vision of Colombia at the time was totally incorrect as I thought it would be all violence and drugs. I was so wrong as they are the nicest, friendliest people ever.  In my 8-day stay in the hospital, nurses would stop by my room to visit with me and my wife. They would help us with Spanish and we helped them with English. That was good, because only one doctor in the hospital spoke English. A bilingual American couple who lives there saved the day by acting as translators the entire time.

When I was released and allowed to fly home, I made a commitment to learn Spanish. I started taking courses at Merced College every semester. When I finished all the classes I could take, I took them again, as an auditor. All of the professors who teach Spanish at the college are professional, friendly and amazing teachers! I highly recommend all of their classes.

Somewhere along the line I discovered an excellent adventure – at Lake Tahoe.  Every summer, during the first week of August, they convert the entire campus of Lake Tahoe Community College into a small Mexican city.  It’s called the Lake Tahoe Community College Intensive Spanish Summer Institute (ISSI). The entire week is dedicated to learning or practicing Spanish. There are 16 levels of Spanish from low beginner to High superior, all official classes for credit with normal community college fees.  Every day, Monday through Friday, you are immersed in mandatory grammar classes but also have opportunities to learn about the cultures, customs, and people from many South American countries. These “break-out sessions” include classes on history, cooking, dancing, tourist spots, nature and culture.

Perhaps the highlight of the week is on Thursday night, after classes, where students can register and take another class for credit called “The difficult trip.”  During this trip, conducted totally in Spanish, students are on a simulated trip to a small Mexican City. They need to visit security, customs, a hotel, a bank, a travel agency, a car-rental agency, a pharmacy, a restaurant and several stores. They will spend “pesos” and each stop which is managed by one of the professors. The professors will talk to you at the level of Spanish that is indicated on your name tag. It really is a fun “trip.”

Registration for ISSI opens in mid-May, but in the past, is closed within a week or so. Registration is closed because all sessions are full. Sold out. I’ve attended five years, one with my wife, one with my granddaughter, one with my grandson, and twice by myself. I plan to attend again this year.

After attending ISSI the second time, I had a bright idea, “Wouldn’t it be great if Merced College could start their own ISSI?” After talking with the program folks in Lake Tahoe, I had appointments with three of the past presidents of the college (not including Chris Vitelli.) All three though it could work and seemed enthusiastic about the idea. But, one reason or another caused roadblocks.

I do plan to talk to the current president, Chris Vitelli. Maybe this time the idea will sprout.

But first, I’m heading to Barcelona, Spain – to practice my Spanish.

Hasta luego!