You ever meet someone and they just have that “je ne sais quoi”? That’s what I thought about Brenda when we first connected on social media. For some reason, when I looked at her pics, I was mesmerized and found her to be gorgeous! I later found out she lives in Europe (my dream!) AND is multilingual. Seemed like a kindred spirit, so I decided I reach out and express my desire to showcase her on the site. 

I decided to make another video with details for creating an immersion simulation specific for learning German, complete with techniques and resources. Click here for the full video on how to simulate German immersion. I mentioned a lot of resources in the video so, here is a complete list of what was mentioned:
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This multilingual plus model speaks English, French and Kreyol. What's her number one tip to learning languages? Find out more behind the jump!

BGLL: Thanks so much Myrna for agreeing to share your story and tips for those who wish to teach English abroad. 

Myrna: Thank you for asking to feature me. I'm so honored!

BGLL: So, tell us more about yourself. What languages do you currently speak?

Myrna: My name is Myrna Joseph and I am from NYC. I am Haitian and Dominican. I speak English and understand Haitian-Creole. I have a BA in the Arts from Queens College. Currently working as an ESL teacher in China but hoping to go to other countries.
 

Whenever anyone decides to start learning a language, there are always certain topics that most people take specific interest in: learning curse words, how to flirt and or use slang to sound cool (am I lying?). That’s all well and good, but how far will those get you when you are trying to haggle or tell a doctor that something hurts? They won’t take you very far, but knowing how to do these 3 things will:

Meet Gabrielle, an Afro-Boricua that’s making a difference in the world. She is originally from New York City, but has recently relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. Her native languages are English and Spanish. She also studied French in college and still understands it. She knows some Bengali as a result of the time she spent in West Bengal, India.

This Cum Laude BA recipient uses her English degree to teach English as foreign language, giving her students the tools they need to achieve their professional, academic or personal goals. She also fought for a more diverse work environment at one of her previous employers by speaking up to the founder of the organization

After months of racist microagressions, she finally stood up for herself against her coworkers and informed them that their discriminatory and racist comments were creating hostile work environment.

Oh, to be young, gifted AND black. In the words of Nina Simone, “In the whole world you know, there are a billion boys and girls who are young, gifted and black, and that’s a fact!”.

Nina didn’t lie. Now, while “youth” is relative (I don’t care what anyone says, I’m still YOUNG), there are so many of us who are gifted and black AND killing it. The fact that we aren’t bombarded with these images disturb me. How can we stay motivated, inspired and encouraged, if we don’t see images of ourselves being successful?

This is why I’ve started this Young, Gifted & Black Series, where weekly I will share with you real life she-roes who are young, gifted and black. #BlackGirlMagic at its finest!

Meet Rayna Edwards, a linguist in every sense of the word. She speaks English, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic and intermediate French.