While that can be convenient, it can also take away the opportunity to practice Spanish. I have learned that sometimes you have to put your foot down and keep speaking Spanish, even if you make mistakes. Once you make the effort, you realize that you are usually able to have a perfectly normal conversation. You do not have to be fluent to communicate; you just have to be willing to try.
That experience made me realize that language really is a superpower. Spanish helped me connect with the people and culture around me, while Arabic, specifically Moroccan Darija, allowed me to connect with people who might otherwise have struggled to communicate. Being multilingual has given me different ways to understand and be understood.
Most importantly, my experience in Spain has reminded me that language is learnable. I came here not knowing much Spanish, but after spending time here, I began recognizing words and understanding more than I did when I arrived. I am still learning, but that is the point. With enough time and willingness to put yourself out there, we can learn almost anything. Language may feel like a superpower, but the real superpower is our ability to keep learning and use what we know to connect with others.
