Goals and expectations: goles/objectivos/metas y expectivas/esperanzas

I figured I might as well start translating my thoughts now, as that will take up a lot of my time soon. The trouble with this is that words don’t translate perfectly. There are often multiple possible translations and ways to interpret a phrase or sentence. 

So yeah, that’s a trouble, but it’s also helpful. In this case, it’s helpful. Each translation of the words helps me define the difference between them and better express each. 

First, a bit about me. My name is Emily Wittig. I’m a junior at MLC on the teacher track. I’m a double major in elementary and secondary Spanish education. I’m from Hartford, WI. Both my parents are teachers. (Yes, it’s a family business at this point.) I’ve been taking Spanish classes at some level since seventh grade. 

I know it’s “goals and expectations,” but I’ll start with expectations. The first translation is “expectivas”, a cognate translation. I don’t necessarily expect adjusting to be easy. Adjusting to a new house, food, school, time zone, culture, and more is only a slightly daunting task. (Okay, maybe more than slightly.) I’m not scared, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I expect this to be a difficult adjustment, but I have support from many people. 

“Expectations” also can be translated to “esperanzas,” which are like “hopes” or “wishes.” I hope to make lots of friends abroad. Through the ISA program, we will have opportunities to go on extra weekend trips to various cities in Spain. Our classes will be with these ISA students, and hopefully some natives, also. We hope to have many experiences with multiple people doing many different things. 

“Goals” can be translated to “goles,” which is primarily used in the context of sports. Like in futbol (I should probably call it that instead of soccer), the scores are goals. We have a goal to go to a futbol game in Spain, a way to immerse ourselves in a significant cultural aspect of the country. (I need to learn more about how futbol works first!) Another goal is to stay active. Incorporating activity into my routine will give me a sense of accomplishment and homeiness. The gym we have in mind offers some workout classes, which can be another way to bond with others from the area. I would also love to find a way to play basketball while I’m abroad, but that could be tougher. 

“Objectivos” is another translation for “goals.” This word is a cognate, so it’s often used to refer to objectives. As a future teacher, I know all about objectives: what they are, how to write them, why they’re necessary, etc. Basically, the purpose. The purpose of this semester abroad is to learn the Spanish language and immerse myself in its culture. Easy enough, right? I’m taking classes at the university, so I’ll be learning the language. I’m living there, so I’m immersed in the culture. However, objectives should be measurable. How can I say I “learned the language” or was “immersed in the culture”? In regards to learning the language, my classes will be a large part of measuring this. Although daily homework is rare in Europe, I will still have a test or two or three along the way, and the classes I’m taking are designed to improve my use of the language (especially the one focusing on complex grammar topics). I will also be able to gauge the easiness of conversing with native speakers and other language learners throughout the semester. It’s more challenging to measure the cultural aspect. It’s possible to be in a country and not even try to be part of the culture. I will consciously make an effort to do this, and I’ll self-check my progress through these blogs. Apparently, “objectivo” also refers to the lens on a camera (I just learned this). I want to take many pictures while I’m in Spain and all the other places we will visit. But I also have a personal goal to live in the moment. Time is very laid-back in Europe, including Spain (just look up their “siesta”). This will be a challenge for me, mainly because I’m a huge planner, so I want to be more of a go-with-the-flow type of person and be more spontaneous. 

Finally, “meta” is the third translation for “goal.” Along with basically every other connotation for “goal” that I’ve included, “meta” also signifies the finish line. I think of two verses from the New Testament: 2 Timothy 4:7 (I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith) and Hebrews 12:1-2 (let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith). Staying in the Word may be a challenge while we’re abroad. We won’t have chapel services twice a day and a variety of church services to choose from each weekend. Because of this, I want to do daily devotions and a personal bible study at least once a week. We’re also looking for potential groups at school to find more opportunities to be in the Word, as this is the most important part of everything we do.