By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Northborough/Southborough – Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) senior Morgan Lindsey recently had an opinion essay published in “TeenInk,” a national teen magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos, and forums. The essay touts the benefits of learning a second language at an early age.
Last spring Lindsey joined 18 of her fellow students on a trip to Spain and Portugal with Spanish teachers Nicole DeMember and Emily Squires. The group visited Lisbon and Evora in Portugal then traveled to Spain where they visited Seville, Cordoba, Madrid, and Toledo. For Lindsey, it was the trip of a lifetime. And, while she had taken Spanish since seventh grade, it was during this trip that Lindsey said she fell in love with the Spanish language.
“I don’t think anyone understands how much I like studying Spanish,” said Lindsey. “I’ve always had such a passion for it and I’m so grateful to have had many great teachers to guide me. Sometimes my friends make fun of me because I’m such a Spanish geek!”
When Lindsey's honors writing workshop teacher, Jennifer Zuba, asked the class to write an argument paper, Lindsey decided to write about the benefits of learning a second language at an early age. She titled the essay “Begin Young!”
“A second language should be taught starting as young as possible because the younger a child is, the more they can absorb in their brains and pick up on natural language-speaking abilities,” she wrote. “If classroom instruction was started in kindergarten, the world would be a better place for job opportunities and communication.”
Zuba was so impressed by Lindsey's essay that she suggested it be submitted to “TeenInk” for possible publication. The essay was submitted Jan.14 and was published just over a week later. On Jan. 24, Lindsey received an email from the editor, who told her that her essay was voted the number one article in the “School/Opinions” essays category.
“I wish everyone could understand the importance of learning a second language through the points I made in my article,” said Lindsey. “My goal is to become fluent in Spanish and then I’d like to study Portuguese.”
Lindsey credits her teachers for encouraging her.
“My teachers have inspired me to become a Spanish teacher when I’m older and to teach the importance of learning a second language in today's world. While it's best for the brain to start learning when a child is young – that's why I wrote the article – learning a second language at any age is beneficial,” Lindsey said.
Lindsey will be attending Worcester State University, where she plans to major in Spanish and minor in secondary education.
Read Lindsey's essay here: http://www.teenink.com/opinion/school_college/article/610848/Begin-Young/