I always had a strong desire to master the Spanish language – however, it was not until I was under the instruction of Mrs. Hodge that my abilities were able to catch up to my passion. Mrs. Hodge strongly believed in cultural exposure and immersion for teaching languages.  It was because of her efforts to make our learning experience more realistic, and less “text book” that I was able to develop my speaking and writing skills in a way that allowed me to succeed in my exams and utilize the language comfortably outside of the classroom and why I am able to use it in my profession now many years later.