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How 1-on-1 Spanish lessons helped Jennifer from New York overcome language confusion and achieve fluency in communication

By Kaustubh Shinde on Jun 17, 2025

Updated Jun 17, 2025

how 1on1 Spanish tutoring overcome language confusion

Jennifer’s journey: from hesitation to fluent Spanish communication

Jennifer Merle, a motivated learner in her 20s, had always been interested in Spanish but struggled with language confusion.

Despite trying apps and attending group classes, she felt stuck and couldn’t progress past basic phrases.

She sought out personalized 1-on-1 lessons to break through her language barriers, particularly with Spanish grammar and sentence structure.

Why Jennifer started Spanish lessons

Jennifer’s primary motivation for starting lessons was her deep interest in speaking Spanish fluently, especially for her personal and professional aspirations.

She had upcoming travel plans and was eager to communicate confidently while immersed in Spanish-speaking environments. At the start, she felt hesitant about her abilities, especially regarding the structure and usage of verbs in different contexts.

Real class insight: what Jennifer worked on with Anareli

In her lessons, Jennifer worked closely with her tutor, Anareli, on several key aspects of Spanish. Here’s what she focused on:

Verb conjugation

Jennifer worked on was mastering verb conjugation, particularly with the verb “tener” (to have). At the start, Jennifer found it tricky to use “tener” in different contexts, but with consistent practice, she began applying it more naturally in sentences.

Through guidance from Anareli, Jennifer learned how to incorporate “tener” into her daily conversations, like “Tengo un libro” (I have a book), and it became easier to form sentences.

Jennifer shared, “I feel much more comfortable using ‘tener’ in different contexts now. It was tricky at first, but I finally get how it works.” This progress helped Jennifer gain confidence.

Song-based learning

A fun and effective breakthrough in Jennifer’s lessons came through using a popular Mexican rock song. Anareli used music to reinforce new vocabulary, helping Jennifer learn words and phrases within the context of the song’s lyrics.

This approach not only made the learning process more enjoyable but also allowed Jennifer to connect words to real-life situations. “I never expected music to help so much, but this song made it easier to remember words and phrases. It’s fun, and I can see how it’s helping me feel more natural when speaking,” Jennifer said.

The song served as a tool for enhancing her listening skills and vocabulary retention while making learning feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity.

Pronunciation practice

Pronunciation was another key focus in Jennifer’s lessons. Certain words, like “eres” (you are), posed a challenge at first.

However, with Anareli’s patient and consistent guidance, Jennifer gained more confidence in her pronunciation. They worked through different pronunciation drills and incorporated these into the song-based learning.

Pronouncing ‘eres’ used to be difficult for me, but now I’m more confident. Anareli’s feedback really helped me adjust my tone and stress,” Jennifer shared. This focused practice helped Jennifer refine her pronunciation.

Understanding cultural references

One of the most impactful parts of Jennifer’s learning journey was understanding the cultural references embedded in the song lyrics. As they explored the song, Jennifer learned more about Mexican culture, which enhanced her language skills.

By connecting the language to cultural nuances, Jennifer was able to better understand how certain phrases and expressions were used in real life. “I love how the song connects to Mexican culture—it’s not just language, but the way people express themselves.

I feel like I’m learning both at once,” Jennifer reflected. This deeper cultural understanding enriched her learning experience and allowed her to engage with the language in a more meaningful way.

Grammar improvement

Another area where Jennifer made significant progress was in her grammar. Anareli helped her work through complex sentence structures like “Lo que quiero más en este mundo” (What I want the most in this world).

Initially, Jennifer found these structures difficult to grasp, but through patient explanation and practice, she was able to break them down and use them correctly. “This sentence structure seemed intimidating, but breaking it down with Anareli made it so much clearer. I’m starting to think in Spanish more naturally now,” Jennifer noted.

By focusing on understanding and applying grammar rules, Jennifer gained the tools she needed to express more complex ideas in Spanish.

The outcome: Jennifer’s transformation or achievement

By the end of her lessons, Jennifer’s confidence in speaking Spanish had grown significantly. She reflected, “The songs and exercises we did helped me connect with the language on a deeper level. I can now speak with more clarity and feel comfortable using phrases I never thought I could say before.” Her understanding of verb conjugation improved, and she felt more confident in expressing herself in Spanish conversations. Additionally, Jennifer’s ability to understand cultural references in language allowed her to feel more connected to Spanish-speaking communities.

What you can learn from Jennifer’s journey

Jennifer enjoying the her 1on1 Spanish lesson
  • Progress is possible at any level: Even as a beginner, personalized coaching can help you overcome language barriers and make real progress.
  • The power of 1-on-1 lessons: Working closely with a tutor allows you to address specific struggles and focus on areas that matter most to you, such as grammar, pronunciation, or cultural understanding.
  • Learning through real-life context: Music and real-life conversations can be valuable tools to enhance language learning and make it more enjoyable.
  • Confidence through practice: Overcoming hesitations and gaining confidence in speaking is possible through steady practice and supportive feedback from an expert tutor.

Try it yourself – book a free trial

If you’re finding it challenging to speak Spanish or feel like you’re not making progress in your language learning, why not take the first step? Book a free trial lesson with one of our expert tutors. Explore our wide range of Spanish tutors at Wiingy from various cities across New York, including:

Wiingy connects you with skilled native-speaking tutors who offer tailored lessons to help you improve your Spanish.

What You Get:

  • A customized Spanish plan tailored to your needs, whether for travel, work, or daily communication.
  • Real-time feedback from expert tutors to help you overcome challenges and boost your confidence.
  • A personalized, 1-on-1 environment where you can progress at your own pace.

Start your Spanish learning journey today and experience how focused, 1-on-1 Spanish lessons can unlock your potential.

Meet the tutor – Anareli Fernández

Anareli Fernández is an experienced Spanish tutor dedicated to creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment. She tailors lessons to meet each student’s individual needs, combining interactive activities, practical language use, and cultural insights. Anareli’s warm and patient teaching style helps students of all levels feel confident and excited about learning Spanish. Whether you’re a beginner or refining advanced skills, Anareli is here to guide you on your path to fluency.

See more transformation stories

Footnote: Student’s name has been changed for privacy.

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Reviewed by Wiingy

Jun 17, 2025

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