Learning a new language is a long, difficult journey that many people do not wish to embark on. However, for Milford High School senior Aidan Malik, the challenge has been nothing but rewarding. 

Malik, who has taken five years of Spanish at school and studied for countless hours on his own, started when he was just a young boy, watching “Dora the Explorer” whenever it came on. “I’ve come a very long way,” he said. “I went from a curious child to an understanding student and speaker; it still took quite some time.”

Although he is currently in Spanish 5 at Milford, Malik is nearing fluency in the language. He hopes to obtain the “Seal of Biliteracy” before heading off to college. “It looks good for college applications, and it sets me apart from many other people in this country,” he noted. “I am studying for the test right now, and I want to take it as soon as I’m ready.”

In Spanish class, Malik enjoys reading and talking about the Spanish Civil War… in Spanish, of course. He believes that he learns best through speech and conversation, remarking, “I find [my teacher’s] lectures fascinating.”

As for tips and tricks, he had plenty. “Anyone who wants to learn a new language should focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing words or sentence structures,” he advised. “They need to be dedicated and patient in the process.”

In the future, Malik wishes to travel to a Spanish-speaking nation so he can test his skills in a real-world environment. “I am excited to apply my knowledge that I’ve gained over the years to the world around me,” he explained. “Language is a key that will open many doors for me later in life.”