Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Fernandez.
Hi Karina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Mexico City and bilingual. Came to the US when I was 9 and lived in South Texas. I did not speak the language but learned easily since I was a child. I am grateful that I kept my language and still bilingual. Sometimes that is hard to do. “If you don’t use it you lose it.” I made a choice to keep my language by speaking with friends and starting my own business. That kept me practicing which is what is needed. I’ve always seen languages as a form of keeping connected with different people, something in my personal life I felt I didn’t have enough of. A connection. That is what fueled my desire to stay bilingual.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes and No. It has helped me at work and my personal life in many ways. It has been smooth as in helping those in need. For example, Law Enforcement needs to know Spanish to communicate with the community so that has been great. Teaching first responders brings me a sense of pride.
No, it has not been smooth in the way of letting people know the excellent service we provide. I hope this interview helps.
We have also experienced some people who are against learning Spanish, or any language, and linking it to the immigration situation the U.S. is going through right now. I’ve been told to go back to Mexico a few too many times.
I tell everyone that learning another language does not mean you are against the US. Knowledge is power. 100%. Being bilingual is helpful in so many ways. In your personal life, as well as, in work. It is a tool that can help you stay safe when you know what people are saying around you and can also help you reach more clients. But for me what’s important is the understanding. Understanding other cultures. When we don’t understand something, fear creeps in and makes things more difficult. When you have a sense of understanding, then things make more sense and fear subsides.
We live in a global society now. You cannot always walk up to someone and know where they are from. People will surprise you. Just look at me. Growing up people were surprised I was Hispanic. I didn’t fit the “look” they had in mind and these days no one does.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My Spanish helped me in my jobs as a 911 Operator and Investigative Technician with US Probation. At that time, I saw the need to learn the Spanish language in the workplace. I then began my company of La Academia Spanish Immersion.
We work with adults and companies primarily. We also work with First Responders. Police, Fire, and EMS. I am Tcole certified which means that I can teach police. I teach basic Spanish for Law Enforcement, Intermediate Spanish for Law Enforcement, Spanish for Telecommunicators, and Human Relations/Multiculturalism. I love helping the community this way. Like I said before, it gives me a sense of pride to know I am helping bridge a gap in communication.
La Academia Spanish Immersion helps with COMMUNICATION. Something important needed these days and beneficial for all companies and everyone really.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
My primary advice would be to go slow when starting a business and make sure you take your time making decisions. Stay focused.
Contact Info:
- Website: LaAcademiaSpanish.com
- Instagram: @LaAcademiaSpanish
- Facebook: @LaAcademiaSpanish
- Linkedin: Karina Fernandez
- Twitter: @LaAcademiaSpanish
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