CLASSROOM STORIES: World Languages Bridging Communities

"World Languages Bridging Communities"  highlights a community-based effort led by Fitchburg State’s Spanish Program in partnership with the Falcon Academy. 

In this episode, Fitchburg State students reflect on how their Spanish skills came alive as they taught a medical Spanish lesson to local eighth graders, bridging classroom learning with real-world community needs. Their stories illustrate not only how language education fosters connection, cultural awareness, and community collaboration, but also how it offers students a meaningful rite of passage—an opportunity to stand before their community as leaders and educators, using their knowledge to make a tangible impact.

This special release has been timed with the nationwide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.  Between September 15 through October 15, the university celebrates the contributions and influence of the Hispanic community to our history and culture through a series of entertaining and informative events

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For more information on the Medical Spanish Certificate program, visit:

https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/programs/medical-spanish-certificate

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Show transcript can be found here.

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This episode was directed and produced by Prof. Karina Bautista, of the Humanities Department, in collaboration with the team from Perseverantia, Fitchburg State University's Podcast Network.  Adam Fournier (COMM '25) edited and mixed the episode. Field and interview recording by Adam and Prof. Kevin McCarthy of the Communications Media department.

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The following Fitchburg State students participated in the production of this episode: 

• Julissa Fabian – Business Administration
• Madison Faneuf – Biology
• Melody Farell – Communications Media/Film
• Nathan Lagerstedt – Communications Media/Game Design
• Juan Sambrano – Exercise and Sports Science
• Valerie Rodríguez – Criminal Justice
• Jacob Walker – Criminal Justice
• Arturo Zuniga – Construction Management

Click here to learn more about Perseverantia. Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.