Jeffrey Walch

Jeffrey Walch was first introduced to Spanish in high school, but he considers 2019 the true turning point in his language journey. That year, he received a call to serve a mission in Madrid, Spain. Arriving just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he soon found himself in lockdown—an unexpected challenge that became a valuable opportunity for focused language immersion. Driven by a strong desire to improve, he committed himself to intensive study and reading.

A key element of Jeffrey’s approach was thematic vocabulary learning. He began by selecting a theme—such as the kitchen or living room—and identifying common objects in his surroundings in English, then actively sought out their Spanish equivalents. This method transformed language learning into an engaging, interactive habit. He reinforced new vocabulary by integrating it into journaling and storytelling, making it an active part of his life. Beyond vocabulary, he sharpened his skills by listening to Spanish podcasts and news, and by writing in Spanish (and other languages) every day.

One of Jeffrey’s most effective techniques is reading the same book in multiple languages. This method helps him notice subtle differences in meaning and strengthens vocabulary retention. Currently, he’s reading To Kill a Mockingbird in French, having already read it in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. He finds this approach especially useful when learning a new language, as his familiarity with the story in other languages aids his comprehension.

Motivation has been central to Jeffrey’s progress. He recalls moments early in his mission when his lack of fluency left him discouraged and frustrated. Over time, he learned to embrace the beginner stage and to see mistakes as natural and necessary. He learned to enjoy being a novice and working on being more fluent. This mindset shift made the learning process much more enjoyable. Today, he actively seeks out corrections from trusted individuals—particularly professors—seeing feedback as an essential tool for improvement.

Jeffrey’s passion for language is rooted in a deep curiosity and a desire to connect with people across cultures. He credits much of his success to the support of mentors. Professors like Dr. Martinson, Dr. Albert, Dr. Bell, Dr. Carr, and Dr. Williams have not only taught him but also guided and encouraged him as friends. He also acknowledges the influence of his parents, whose enthusiasm for languages matches his own.

To fellow language learners, Jeffrey emphasizes first building a strong vocabulary foundation. He recommends learning vocabulary in thematic groups and using it in writing and real-life situations. Mistakes, he says, are not only inevitable but valuable. Actively seeking feedback from reliable sources is critical for growth. He encourages learners to find joy in the process, immerse themselves in the language through reading, listening, and speaking, and take advantage of resources like multilingual book editions.

When it comes to preparing for the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), Jeffrey advises intensive speaking practice in the lead-up to the test. On test day, he advises complete immersion in the target language and avoiding other languages to maintain focus and fluency. Understanding the format and expectations is also crucial. As Dr. Bell advised him, candidates should be ready to discuss a wide range of topics, including current events. Jeffrey suggests steering the conversation toward topics you know well. Since the interviewer builds upon your responses, this approach can be especially effective.

Looking back, Jeffrey believes that genuine curiosity has been the most powerful force behind his success. His love for connecting with others and exploring new cultures through language continues to drive his learning. For him, each new language is a gateway to richer experiences, deeper friendships, and a broader view of the world. Through a mix of strategic learning, motivation, and an open mindset, Jeffrey has charted an inspiring path to fluency—one that other language learners can follow with confidence.