Learner Spotlight: Rafa’ella Erlinda Ruelas, De La Cruz-Howard

Name: My name is Rafa’ella Erlinda Ruelas, De La Cruz-Howard

What languages do you speak?

The language that I speak fluently is English. Spanish was my first language but I haven’t practiced much so I only know a little bit now. I can sing full songs in Japanese. I am learning Japanese and it’s inspired by my love for anime. I understand a lot but speak only a few words and phrases in Armenian because of the 7 years I’ve spent at my judo and jujitsu school. My senseis primarily teaches speaking in Armenian.

What is your favorite saying in your native language? 

Hey hey hey in Japanese is Oi Oi Oi. It is my favorite phrase.

What is a family tradition that you enjoy? 

My top favorite is when we travel for my dad’s work as an actor and author, as well as traveling for my mom’s work, MMA boxing and kickboxing fights. My other choice is watching movies with my mom and dad and eating popcorn.

What career would you like to have?

I would like to have several careers in my life. These include voice actor, actor, dance/choreographer (salsa, hiphop, tap), animator, music, song writer artist/performer and teacher.

What is your favorite subject? 

Math is my most likable subject.

Has being multilingual allowed you any special opportunities? 

I don’t think that being multilingual has allowed me any special opportunities, not yet. I believe the better I get at being multilingual then it will bring special opportunities.

What is your favorite hobby? 

COSPLAYING IS MY FAVORITE HOBBY. Changing my cosplay outfits and my hair and make-up and the music to do TickTock’s is the BEST!

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

I would tell somebody learning a new language to listen to music in the language they want to learn and to also watch movies with the subtitles. That has helped me stay interested in learning Japanese. It proves to be very helpful, at least for me.

How long have you been independent studying?

Four years. I did return to public school but it wasn’t a good experience.

What do you like about independent studying?

What I like about independent studying is that I can really focus on my classes without distractions or negative pressures at school from others that are not into school. I like that I am able to go back and review what the classes online are teaching me because it’s always there on my computer or in my books at home. I don’t have to miss many things like traveling or not being with family all the time because my homework goes everywhere with me.  My computer and I can have class anywhere, anytime; it’s very flexible. I can switch my classes around every day. My favorite thing is I can wear cosplay or my pajamas. Also, I like my LPs meetings with my EF because I feel like I am in a business meeting and that I am important and what I am doing is important. I love independent study for so many good reasons.