j'adore pink

— 19, puerto rican 🇵🇷

— volunteer language tutor with 3+ years of experience

— documenting my journey from experienced volunteer → professional tutor

my goal: make language learning easy, connecting it to the things we already love.

on this blog you’ll find:

• language learning through pop culture

• spanish, study notes, and tutoring insights

• bits of college life + behind the scenes of becoming an educator

thanks for being here ☼

i offer ELA, writing and reviews through wyzant

https://linktr.ee/tutoringbysol

1️⃣ Basque – It’s one of the toughest languages in the world because it’s completely unrelated to any other language. No connections, no similarities—just pure linguistic mystery.

2️⃣ Georgian – This language is agglutinative, meaning words get crazy long with endings. Plus, its alphabet is like nothing you’ve ever seen, and it’s not related to anything familiar.

3️⃣ Hungarian – It’s not close to most languages (yes, it’s tied to Finnish, but that doesn’t help). Even basic words like “restaurant” are unrecognizable—it’s étterem here!

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But don't let the word "hard" make you think you can't do it! Remember you can always learn languages with me on Wyzant !

1. The Venice Chronicles by Enrico Casarosa

ever read a scene where a character discovers something catastrophic, but it feels... flat?

here's the solution:

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, also known as linguistic relativity explores how the language we speak influences or even determines the way we think.

Key ideas of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis:

Language shapes thought: The structure and vocabulary of a language influence how its speakers perceive and categorize the world

Two main versions:

• Strong version (linguistic determinism): Language determines thought completely. People can only think in ways allowed by their language.

• Weak version (linguistic relativity): Language influences thought and perception but does not rigidly determine it.

Examples and reasoning:

• Some languages have multiple words for snow, which might make speakers more sensitive to different types of snow.

• Languages that use absolute directions (north, south) instead of relative ones (left, right) might shape spatial awareness differently.

I’ve been tutoring for three years now, and even my most advanced students still get tripped up by these three things!

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1. "Less" vs. "Fewer"

A lot of people say 'I have less assignments,' but if you can count them on your fingers, like 1, 2, 3 essays, you actually want to use fewer. Use 'less' for things you can’t count, like 'less stress' or 'less time.

2. "Me" vs. "I"

People think 'My friend and I' is always right, but try removing the other person. You wouldn't say 'The professor emailed I,' you’d say 'The professor emailed me.' So, it’s 'The professor emailed my friend and me.

3. "Effect" vs. "Affect"

Here is the easiest way to remember: Affect is an Action (the verb). Effect is the End result (the noun). The weather affects my mood; the effect is that I’m sleepy.

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In Spanish, Hola is the MOST common way to say hello

FALSE!

In certain cultures, particularly when it comes to loved ones and elders, Bendición (Blessings) replaces hola.

It is in fact found rude in some cultures if you don’t combine the ‘hola’ with ‘bendicion’

Ex.

Person A: (Hola) Bendición, abuela.

1. Being a human dictionary

Problem: I used to give the answer the second a student looks confused.

How I fixed it: Today, I use scaffolding. Give clues through notes, breaking down the suffix/prefix.

2. Lack of clear objectives

Problem: Starting a session by asking, “So, what do you want to do today?"

How I fixed it: Over time I’ve developed more confidence in my teaching abilities so I can better guide my students

3. Red Pen Syndrome

Problem: In the beginning I would correct grammar a bit too much.

Genre: [Fantasy] [Sci Fi] [Young Adult] [Historical Fiction] Length: 320 pages Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary: Manon, a silent, red-eyed orphan in 1881 London, who is a new human species with super-abled abilities, must navigate life as strange ocurences of death follow her. Meanwhile, a scientist and his henchmen pursue her to exploit her abilities for fame and fortune.

Why You Should Read It:

Reminded me of "A Series of Unfortunate Events"

As someone that loves themes relating to mythical creatures and nature, this is a must read.

Like a tv drama, certain chapters narrate storylines that don't just revolve around the main protagonist. Giving the reader omniscience creates a heightening in tension.

Certain chapters hold letters, kind of like solving puzzle pieces in a mystery.

Favorite Quote: “We discover a new species of life form every day.

1. Serendipity— This word means finding something good without looking for it. Spanish doesn’t have a single word that captures this exact happy accident; phrases like “casualidad afortunada” are used instead.

2. Bittersweet— A complex feeling combining happiness and sadness at the same time. Spanish speakers often use phrases like “agridulce,” but it’s more often used for taste than emotions, so the emotional nuance can be lost or need explanation.

3. Guilty pleasure— Enjoying something you feel you shouldn’t. Spanish speakers say “placer culpable,” but it’s a borrowed phrase and not as commonly used or deeply felt as in English.

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Primary vs. Secondary Reinforcers & Token Economy: Quick Psychology Guide 🧠✨

Primary reinforcers satisfy basic biological needs (think food, water). They’re naturally rewarding because they keep us alive and happy. For example, a snack after studying hard is a primary reinforcer.

Secondary reinforcers gain value through association with primary ones (ex. money, praise, or grades.) They DON’T satisfy physical needs directly but motivate us because they lead to primary rewards. Getting a paycheck or a gold star feels good because it means something valuable.

A token economy uses secondary reinforcers as “tokens” (like points or stickers) that you earn for good behavior or achievements, which you can trade for primary rewards later.

Psychology in everyday life: Brands use these principles all the time. Loyalty points, discounts, and rewards apps tap into our desire for secondary reinforcers, nudging us to keep buying. Understanding this helps you become a smarter consumer and learner!

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Physiological Needs 🍎💧 The basics: food, water, sleep, air. Bare minimum to live.

Safety Needs 🏡🔒 Feeling safe and secure, like having a roof over your head.

Love & Belonging 💞🤗 Friends, family, community, that warm feeling of connection and acceptance.

Esteem 🏆💪 Respect, confidence, and feeling valued.

Self-Actualization 🌟🎨 Becoming your best self, chasing dreams, creativity, growth, and purpose.

✨ If you want more effective breakdowns & study tips, like this post and follow for daily doses of learning!

QUIZ TIME!

• Que tipo de pelo tiene ella? - What type of hair does she have?

• Ella tiene pelo… - She has…hair