Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Sanchez.
Erika, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My passion for Spanish and the Hispanic culture began in my high school Spanish 1 class. I was fascinated as I began to communicate with a whole new population that I was previously isolated from due to a language barrier. I continued to study Spanish through high school and college, all the while traveling to Spanish speaking countries including Mexico, Spain and Argentina. After graduating with a BA in Spanish, I taught high school Spanish for a year before moving to Mexico City. I spent two years in Mexico City living with a Mexican family, serving in local churches, volunteering at children’s homes and soup kitchens, practicing my Spanish, and soaking up the culture. When I moved back to Texas, I was fortunate to find a job teaching Dual Language at an amazing elementary school in Fort Worth. I worked with students who came from Spanish speaking families and taught them their core subjects in their native language so that they would not fall behind academically as they learned English. However, when my son was born my priorities changed, and I left the classroom to be home full time with him. I quickly discovered that I could have the best of both worlds, and started La Puerta Spanish Center in the back room of my house. Adults and children of all ages and language abilities came to my home to learn Spanish in private and group classes. Since then, La Puerta has expanded to include an after school program at local elementary schools, medical Spanish classes, Spanish immersion camps, private tutoring and more! My vision for La Puerta continues to grow and I’m excited to see what the future holds!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The main challenge that I have faced is timing and scheduling. I get so excited when new people contact me about learning Spanish, but our schedules don’t always line up. I really like to offer group classes, because they are more interactive and the students learn from one another. Knowing at what time and on which days to offer those group classes has been difficult because I want to accommodate everyone’s schedule.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
La Puerta Spanish Center offers private and group Spanish classes for adults and children. As a non-native Spanish speaker, I have a unique perspective. I remember the challenges and pitfalls that I encountered as I learned the language and I am able to help my students avoid some of those same difficulties (or at least empathize with them as they work through them!)
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very interested in running. I ran cross country & track on a very competitive high school team as well as at a Division 1 university. I learned hard work, discipline, and persistence through my time as a competitive athlete. When I wasn’t running (which wasn’t very often!) I enjoyed spending time with friends, playing with my dog and traveling.
Pricing:
- Group classes $80/ month
- Private classes $50/ hour
- Additional family members receive a 25% discount
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lapuertaspanishcenter.com
- Email: lapuertaFW@gmail.com
- Instagram: lapuertaspanishcenter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaPuertaCentrodeEspanol/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Cr1gdiLnKI-vYP3gXAPWg?view_as=subscriber
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