The Language Classroom: Everything You Imagine, and More

By Aleksandra Kostova, Future Teacher Scholarship Program Alumna '25

“Is it everything you imagined it to be, and more?” This was the sarcastic question I got asked having stepped into my new role following graduation. Before even starting college, many people close to me questioned the academic pathway I'd chosen—one that would result in a career of service. And while the tone of their questions has not since changed, neither has my heart. I always knew that this was right where I had to be: in the language classroom.

My name is Aleksandra Kostova, and I am a first-year high school Spanish teacher. For me, teaching is the best job. Yes, it is difficult, but it is so rewarding to see how my students grow as individuals, both academically and as people.

I wait for my students in front of the door every period, and obviously, I’m playing some flamenco or salsa as they roll in. Some of them go, 'Señorita! I can hear your music from the other end of the school!'

I do this for multiple reasons. For one, it puts smiles on my students' faces. But it also provides me with the opportunity to “get the vibe” as I interact with each one of them. Usually, their facial expressions say it all in a second. You can tell who is excited; who will be extra chatty; who is anxious, upset, exhausted, angry, sad, energized…

The emotional turbulence of this age usually factors into questions surrounding why I chose to work in a high school. There is growing awareness about how complex the adolescent years are, and yet it seems that our society isn't fully supportive of teens during this transitional season of their lives. Of course, it’s difficult: It would be for anyone whose world seems to be shaken, changing rapidly and by the day. These students are managing an overload of information, processed by brains whose prefrontal cortex are still under construction. Their emotional awareness is through the roof.

These young people seek stable figures in their lives while facing a complicated maze: Adults who will be patient, kind, understanding, loving, and yet warmly demanding and hopeful—encouraging them to find their way through the maze.

We have all been there, needing someone with a steady presence who sees our uniqueness and patiently helps us figure out the adults we want to grow up to be.

The stretches that I make as a teacher are attempts to help the younger generation navigate these moments, guiding them to find their individual paths to success, both academically and personally. I'm not superwoman: I am a teacher who wants to be there for her students, supporting each one of them so they can flourish in the world and make the world flourish too.

The language classroom has the potential to make this double-way flourishing a reality, and having someone waiting at the door everyday—blaring Spanish music—who continuously believes that this flourishing is possible is what these students need.

By learning a new language, students unlock doors to communities of the world that were previously intangible. They become more open-minded, are enlightened to new perspectives, and add cultural dimensions to their lives. They are given hope to dream about the places they can go to, and the cultures and stories that they can experience.

At the same time, they are edified and can edify others. The language classroom is a place of great joy.

As we explore the different parts of the world and learn from others’ stories, everyone in the class gets a chance to practice telling their own story in a different language.

Yes. It is everything I imagined it to be and more.

Is the language classroom where you belong, too? Explore the benefits of learning a language and resources for becoming a language teacher. Then tell us your story @LangConnectsFdn on social media.

We invite you to share about the Future Teacher Scholarship Program with interested high school seniors and undergraduates in your network.