Josh Klingonsmith

Josh Klingonsmith’s journey with Spanish began in middle school when he participated in a special admission program in Illinois. He was intrigued by the opportunity to learn a new language and later continued studying Spanish for two years in high school. This early foundation played a significant role in his later fluency.

Josh's real breakthrough came during his Spanish-speaking mission, first in El Paso, Texas, and later in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Placed in an environment where he had to use Spanish every day, he quickly advanced beyond the basics he had learned in high school. While his prior studies gave him a solid foundation, it was the daily immersion during his mission that allowed him to truly master the language.

While in El Paso, Josh was exposed to both English and Spanish, but in Argentina, he had no choice but to rely entirely on Spanish. This full immersion accelerated his learning and forced him to become comfortable with the language. Having mentors and peers who supported his language growth was another crucial factor. He worked closely with companions who were also passionate about language learning. Some had a Latino background and could provide additional insights into Spanish usage and pronunciation. Their dedication and mutual practice sessions helped solidify his fluency.

One of the most effective ways Josh stayed engaged with Spanish after his mission was by participating in a volunteer program called Conexiones, where he helped Latino children with their English reading skills. Through interactions with the students’ parents and families, he maintained his Spanish while supporting others in their language development. He also sought out Spanish news articles and books, ensuring he continued expanding his vocabulary and comprehension.

One of the biggest barriers language learners face is the fear of making mistakes. Josh initially struggled with this but soon realized that mistakes were essential for improvement. He learned that the only way to progress was to continuously speak, even when he felt uncertain. Pushing through moments of discomfort and using Spanish at every opportunity allowed him to become more confident and skilled in the language.

To prepare for the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), Josh focused on a well-rounded approach to strengthen his Spanish skills. He practiced by engaging in conversations with native speakers through volunteer work and Spanish classes. Recognizing the importance of accuracy, he identified weak areas in his grammar and reviewed key rules to eliminate common mistakes. He also worked on expanding his vocabulary with a Spanish dictionary app that used spaced repetition to reinforce new words and phrases. Through this process, Josh discovered that true proficiency required both fluency and accuracy—speaking confidently was important, but a solid grasp of grammar ensured clear and effective communication.

For those preparing for the OPI, Josh emphasizes a few key strategies for success. First, reviewing grammar is essential to avoid persistent mistakes and build a strong linguistic foundation. He also stresses the importance of speaking as much as possible to develop fluency and confidence. Expanding vocabulary by engaging with Spanish content beyond familiar topics helps broaden language usage and adaptability. Josh also reminds students that although the first few minutes of the interview may be intimidating, it gets better as the interview progresses.

Looking back on his language-learning journey, Josh attributes his success to one major factor: his deep desire to communicate and connect with Spanish speakers. His passion for meaningful interactions motivated him to push through difficulties and continue improving. For anyone embarking on their own language-learning journey, his experience serves as a testament to the power of persistence, immersion, and the willingness to make mistakes. Whether preparing for the OPI or simply striving for fluency, the key is to consistently seek opportunities to engage with the language in meaningful ways.