August 2025 - Jeff Rink

A highly motivated student, he began his studies at Tierra to prepare for a trip to Spain in which he and his wife (a fellow Tierra student) would hike the famous pilgrimage route, el Camino de Santiago. Dedicated and studious, Jeff’s analytical mind probes for patterns in the language and he frequently asks questions that elicit new angles and nuance which help him and his classmates understand more deeply. He shows genuine interest in the cultures of Spanish speaking countries, and came back from his trip eager to share the new words and idiomatic expressions he’d learned. Jeff’s enthusiasm and good-natured sense of humor contribute to the spirit of camaraderie shared in his classes. We are honored to count Jeff among our wonderful student community and look forward to seeing him continue his race toward fluidity.

 

Name: Jeff Rink
Occupation:  I work in manufacturing
Time Studying at Tierra: 1 year and half

1) Why are you studying Spanish?

"I have been studying Spanish off and on since junior high school.   I started studying at Tierra in order to prepare for hiking the Camino de Santiago.  I figured it would be a better experience if I was able to improve my Spanish language skills. The trip was fantastic and now that we've completed the Camino, we're already planning another Camino! My goal is to keep improving my Spanish".

2) What is your favorite part about your experience here at Tierra?

"Everyone at Tierra has been very helpful and friendly.   The teachers are very good at helping students understand the structures of the Spanish language.  And my classmates have been very friendly and eager to learn together".

3) Can you tell us of a time you have been able to use what you have learned studying here?

"I was able to use my improved Spanish during the Camino.  It made all the interactions with the Spaniards a lot more interesting.  It was fun when we learned from each other.   For example I asked the hotel manager for a "sobre" (envelope) and he asked me the word in English.   His English was very good but because I spoke some Spanish I was able to teach him a new English word".

¡Felicidades Jeff!