Spanish class offers a unique experience every year for students to become familiar with the Latin American culture. During third period, the Spanish III class was given an opportunity to converse with a guest speaker from Mexico on Sept. 26.

“Respect your roots and your country, be proud of where you come from.” These were the words of Mexican pastor, Marcos Perez who gave an inspirational talk to campus Spanish III class.

“It was really inspiring to learn how proud he is to be Mexican,” Victor Cabias, ’05, said. “Now I feel prouder to be an American and proud of my culture.”

Perez shared about his childhood, the culture of Mexico and allowed the students to have a deeper look into Latin American life.

“The kids love to hear about Mexican culture,” Beatriz Foth, Spanish teacher, said, “especially from someone other than myself. They really enjoy it and become more interested in the Mexican culture.”

Guest speakers have been sharing their stories to the Spanish III class for 12 years.

“It enlightened me last year,” Brandon Diaso, ’05, said, “on other cultural traditions and backgrounds. It was cool to get out of doing work and being able to eat food and listen to a speaker.”

Traditional Mexican dishes like burritos, taquitos, bean dip and flan were also served when the speaker arrived.

“It was cool to see someone else’s culture and life in last year’s class,” Katherine Babcock, ’04, said. “Having a fiesta after the speaker also made it great. ”

Although Marcos Perez is a new speaker this year, the students were still enthusiastic.

“It was challenging to for me to understand everything he said because it was all in Spanish,” Michelle Smith, ?04, said, “but I think I got all the main ideas.”

The speaker was a unique way for the students to get a closer look into other cultures and challenge their understanding of Spanish.

“He kept saying that awe should be proud of our roots,” Kristin Dunne, ’04, said. “Also we need to be taking advantage of learning how to speak a second language.”

For more information about campus Spanish III class, students and parents can call the high school office at 299-1695, ext.5 or to leave a message for Mrs. Foth at297-9464, ext. 149.