"I was already interested in attending Concordia, but the Language Villages made my decision especially clear."

-Liv Halaas '04

From Villager To Teacher
By Liv Halaas '04

I had the idea of going to the Norwegian Language Village when I was a child, but I was too shy to go on such an adventure by myself. In sixth grade my best friend invited me to attend the Spanish Language Village, El Lago del Bosque. Initially, I was intimidated by language immersion, especially since I had no previous Spanish experience. But those two weeks were awesome! The next four years of my life revolved around each summer month at El Lago del Bosque and my experiences there changed my life.

I was already interested in attending Concordia, but the Language Villages made my decision especially clear. While at Concordia, I worked four summers at El Lago del Bosque, as counselor and two-week curriculum facilitator. All this time, I worked under Diane Tess, my dean growing up, who now continues to be a close friend and life mentor. During the school year, I served as a counselor at Village Weekends and worked at the Language Village office at Concordia on campus. Working in the office kept me closely connected with the program, gave me great experience in the world of non-profit organizations and enabled me to do research and grant writing. I also represented the program at camp fairs and assisted with a festival night for children interested in attending the Language Villages.

During my senior year at Concordia, I began my job search and quickly realized how much my experiences at the language villages would help. I was offered and accepted a Spanish teaching job at Needham (Mass.) High School, beating out many other candidates with master's degrees. I strongly believe my years at the Spanish Language Village and my Concordia study abroad opportunity in Pamplona, Spain, gave me the extra edge I needed.

I graduated from Concordia in May 2004, with majors in Spanish and secondary education. I continue to enjoy teaching Spanish at Needham High School, where every day I use the alternative and lively skills I learned at El Lago del Bosque. As a sixth-grader attending the village for the first time, I could have only imagined my life today!