Mary Watson

Mary’s journey into Spanish began in middle school, where she took an introductory class focused on countries, capitals, and basic phrases. In high school, her courses advanced to conversational skills, but it was receiving a mission call to serve in Guatemala—and the full immersion that followed—that became the true turning point in her language learning.

Her training at the Guatemala Missionary Training Center laid the groundwork, providing essential vocabulary, grammar, and gospel-related terms. However, it was the day-to-day immersion that enabled real progress. Each day, Mary dedicated 1–2 hours to focused language study using a grammar book and reading materials like Liahona, which introduced her to a broader vocabulary and new expressions.

A key component of her language development was working alongside native Spanish-speaking companions from countries such as Mexico and across Central America, in addition to companions from the United States. This gave her exposure to different accents and ways of speaking. While the first few months of her mission was challenging, she found that having a supportive companion who understood her situation was vital. Mary learned the importance of patience, embracing mistakes, and finding alternative ways to communicate or revisiting conversations when she was more confident. Her advice: don’t take yourself too seriously—native speakers generally understand and appreciate the effort.

After her mission, Mary’s connection to the language continued to grow. She married an elder she served with from El Salvador, and later spent six months living with his family there, deepening her immersion in the country’s distinct accent and culture. Participating in local activities, such as joining the stake soccer team, gave her practical conversational experiences in different social contexts.

Mary offers thoughtful tips for those learning Spanish and preparing for language exams. She strongly recommends full immersion and frequent conversations with native speakers, emphasizing the importance of discussing a wide range of topics. Reading diverse materials—from newspapers to religious and academic texts—builds vocabulary and familiarity with different styles. When you learn a new word, she advises using it in conversation or writing to reinforce retention. Practicing varied tenses, especially hypothetical ones, and identifying weak areas for focused improvement is crucial. Mary also encourages asking native speakers questions and maintaining a sense of curiosity and excitement about new cultures.

For the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), Mary suggests leveraging resources that outline the interview format. During the interview, aim to give detailed, paragraph-length responses using a broad vocabulary while avoiding repetition. Be prepared to discuss current events, personal experiences, and daily routines. Tools like ChatGPT or Claude can simulate OPI-style questions, helping you practice fluency and composure. Listening to a variety of accents is also helpful, as the interviewer’s origin can vary. Mary emphasizes that interviewers are trained professionals who will guide the conversation, making it feel more like a discussion than a test. While missionary Spanish provides a helpful base, she stresses the importance of practicing vocabulary and topics beyond religious settings to succeed in the OPI.

Mary’s story is a testament to the transformative power of immersion, persistence, and meaningful connection. For students pursuing Spanish, she serves as a reminder that fluency comes from consistent effort, willingness to learn from mistakes, and a genuine desire to connect with others.