The only language coach that translates online language learning.
—- Pun intended.
It’s hard not to believe there’s one perfect language app that’ll get you fluent in [insert amount of time], especially when that’s all everybody and their mother advertises.
10 years ago, I was stuck;
I had taken a couple of beginner Spanish courses in school and had a taste of what was possible in language learning, but nothing really did it for me.
Formal classes were boring (and my grades sucked). Rosetta Stone was expensive. I tried free resources like Duolingo and Livemocha (RIP), but I was just learning those same beginner basics before quitting. Again.
Sure, there were tons of paid resources, but they all said the same thing:
learn a language! get fluent in a language! speak a language in 30 days!
Suffice to say, I was lost. I didn’t know where to look.
…but there were all these people on the internet who were fluent in so many languages! Clearly it was possible!
I tried their methods and they still didn’t work for me. It was only logical to assume that there was something wrong with me.
Meanwhile, I began pursuing my dream of being a travel blogger (that’s a whole other story). I had always dreamt of living and traveling abroad, so that’s exactly what I did: I moved to Madrid, Spain to teach English for a year.
While blogging about my travels throughout Western Europe, I also threw myself into learning Spanish any way I could: formal classes at a language school, language exchanges with the locals, private tutors…you name it, I did it. I was already immersed in Spain, so I took any opportunity I could find.
Eventually, though, it was time to come back home and back to reality. And my non-European reality hadn’t magically changed.
I still couldn’t stick to it.
I still didn’t know what I was doing.
I still couldn’t learn a language.
Seriously? I spent a YEAR in Spain learning Spanish and I still didn’t know how to learn a language??
I still didn’t feel fluent????
The only thing I had left to cling to was being a blogger. But I hated travel blogging, so I switched gears and instead started blogging about what I really wanted to talk about: language learning.
I found that tons and tons of people were researching language app reviews, but they were all there to convince you to buy that app so they could earn a commission, not necessarily because they would work. Huh, I guess that’s why trying to learn a language online at home was so overwhelming and confusing!
So I decided to try something different
I started posting my own language app reviews based on who they would be helpful for, not based on what I liked. I figured there are so many options, they must be for different kinds of language learners, right?
I was right!
Eventually, I started getting emails from stuck language learners who wanted my opinion on which language app they should be using, with huge lists of resources they had collected over the years.
Based on those emails alone, I instantly realized they didn’t need my opinion on those particular apps; in fact, they didn’t know what they needed!
Those emails became my first coaching clients.
The biggest surprise wasn’t what they were struggling with – sticking to language learning long-term, picking a resource among the 94303 options, fears of failure or wasting their time – it was the level of joy I felt seeing everything *click*.
Their body language. The way they talked about their language learning. The way they talked about themselves. I became addicted to watching them pull out of the hazy overwhelm and into clear, confident language learners.
Values
“If you stand for nothing, Burr, what’ll you fall for?” – Hamilton
1
Different perspectives
Black, brown, trans, female, disabled, neurodiverse, LGBTQ+ and any other marginalized community members are enthusiastically welcomed.
2
Accessibility
I make education as accessible as possible: educational content available to all levels of income (from free +), all consumption styles (audio, video, transcripts, worksheets & slides), & all disability needs.
3
Safe spaces
As a language coach, if you don’t feel safe sharing your needs, I’m not doing my job. I end every conversation by offering space for any lingering questions, comments, and concerns.
4
Balance
I never make blatant statements about any resource, strategy, or perspective. Everything has its pros and cons (even if they’re hard to find), and I will always acknowledge them as such.
5
Constructive criticism
I am never less than 100% honest. I understand that we are not always ready for radical honesty, so I will always ask for consent before offering constructive criticism. I’m also consistently asking for feedback, both positive & negative.
6
Integrity
I rely on education and honesty for my marketing, and will never make vague or empty motivational claims. I do not make promises that I cannot keep, and if I can’t make a promise I will say so.
Jamie is a no-BS introvert who spent years searching for answers to her own language learning problems but couldn’t find anything but marketing hacks and strategies that just didn’t do it for her. She hates conversations about “fluency” just as much as she hates small talk.
In her free time, Jamie loves to get a good 10 hours of sleep, snuggle with her rescue pittie mix, or attend any number of random Filipino events her husband participates in.
Mental health is also a huge priority to Jamie, as her battle with anxiety has affected her language learning in the past (and the present, if she’s not careful). She firmly believes that mental health comes before everything else, whether you’re neurodiverse or simply having a bad day. In fact, she will actively tell you to stop language learning if it’s getting in the way of your mental health!
And her worst habit? Learning as much as she can about how to learn a language instead of actually learning languages.