Learner Spotlight: Julia Soukaphayvong Kong

What languages do you speak?

 I speak Spanish and a little bit of Mandarin.

What is a family tradition that you enjoy? 

On Christmas we eat caramelized almonds that my mom makes for me. In Argentina they eat caramelized peanuts, they call it garrapiñada, but I don’t like peanuts so my mom makes it with almonds just for me to enjoy. 

What career would you like to have?

I want to have babies and have some fun in the sun with my kids. Also, I used to want to be a vet but I’m not sure now. 

What is your favorite subject? 

Mandarin! 

Has being multilingual allowed you any special opportunities? 

Yes, when I went to the park I found a kid that spoke Mandarin and I talked to him in Mandarin.

What is your favorite hobby? Playing Minecraft! 

What advice would you give to someone trying to learn a new language?

Watch YouTube videos with songs in the language you want to learn and make sure it has subtitles on it so you can read while you are singing. 

How long have you been independent studying?

About 3 months.

What do you like about independent studying?

I can be with my mommy and with my baby brother. Also, I am happy with independent study because I can be with my family.