Armida Espinoza is a retired bilingual teacher, a proud first-generation Mexican American, and the author of the touching children’s book, *Brave Learns English*. Through her book, she paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs of young English language learners, embodying the fears and insecurities that come with learning a new language. In our chat, Armida opens up about her experiences in school, where she often felt the sting of self-doubt—much like her protagonist Lois. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, not just in language learning, but in life overall. Her story isn't just hers; it resonates with countless individuals, especially those who have had to navigate the complexities of new languages and cultures. She strongly believes that by embracing our inner strength and being brave, we can overcome the negative voices that often hold us back. We're not just here to learn a language; we're here to learn about ourselves and to grow. So, grab a cozy seat and join us as we dive into the heartfelt and inspiring world of Armida Espinoza, where every challenge is a stepping stone on your journey to becoming your authentic self.

Takeaways:

• Armida Espinoza's inspiring journey as a bilingual teacher highlights the challenges faced by English language learners.
• Her book, 'Brave Learns English', explores the fears and triumphs of learning a new language.
• Armida emphasizes the importance of being authentic and true to oneself despite societal pressures.
• The episode discusses the negative self-talk that often hinders learning and how to combat it.
• Armida's experiences reveal how vital it is to support second language learners in educational settings.
• She encourages teachers to provide a safe space for students to process their learning at their own pace.