As a new Housing Counselor there are many firsts. One of which was our first Spanish language Finance Class for 2026. We began on January 14th and met every Wednesday for 5 weeks at La Puerta’s offices. La Puerta was kind to open their doors and host our gathering.
Seeing the bright and eager faces the first day was a joy, but seeing the progress with each passing week was also a wonderful experience. Hands raised, questions being asked, instructors imparting knowledge, class was underway. Vamonos! (that’s “let’s go” in Spanish)
We had a huge winter surprise when all Waco shut down, just as we were hitting our stride. The thought did cross my mind; will this divine meteorological event stop our stride? Quite the opposite, the students were the first to say that we add the missed class to the end, even if that meant extending the class schedule. We wrapped up February 18th versus the 11th as we previously planned due to it. To a person, they all said how much they enjoyed the information and the camaraderie. I have to say, I had a blast as well.
The Grassroots printer was roaring every day leading up to each class as we printed the class material. Nervous Jose (me) was checking his list to make sure all the items were ready for the gathering. Here’s another Spanish word: cansado, which means “tired”. But a good tiredness, the tiredness that comes from accomplishment. There were lots of steps to making it all flow smoothly and after each day, of course, we were a bit cansado. Our guest instructors from Cadence Bank and First National Bank of Central Texas can probably attest to that. A great thanks to them (take a bow).
Graduation, the last class, was bittersweet. All good things must come to an end as we know.
As we handed out the students’ certificates, I knew it was only the beginning. The beginning of more classes for some, beginning of a new home-buying journey for others, beginning of a new optimism and confidence due to the knowledge they gained. It was the end of that class, but the beginning of more. Class dismissed.
