One Dutch woman told me I would never speak Dutch well because I didn't have Dutch ancestry. I think she was trying to be nice, but it was a really demoralizing comment. While learning and re-learning German, I could sense my teachers' frustration at times and German tutors would say things like, “April, we've already gone over this several times, it's not that complicated.” I usually responded, “Well, too bad. Let's review it again and again and again until I get it.”
There's something about letting people explain themselves in the words and expressions most familiar to them. It's respecting them enough to learn their language, not forcing them to learn mine. And that respect often creates a stronger bond.
I still have a lot to learn about German and Dutch. But the years of learning have paid off in that personally rewarding experience. The people I spoke with will never know how much I struggled learning Dutch, nor does it really matter to anyone but me. But in that moment, I knew that I could say, I speak Dutch fluently. I had acquired a skill through years of dedication, a skill that would bring years of fulfilling opportunities.
I've had many wonderful experiences abroad. But my proudest moments have been when I've talked with people in their own language. While this is goodbye for you and me, I hope that you will have many chances to meet new people from all over the world. I sincerely hope that we all become the best people we can be.
