Introduction

One of my favorite traditions with my family and close friends is reflecting after events on what we would have done differently and what our highlights were. We call it ‘pits and peaks’; some call it ‘rose and thorn,’ but the practice is the same. We review what went well and consider how to continue improving in the future. The rules are: you start with the pits; pits are not necessarily bad; what would you do differently; and for every pit, there is a peak.

Here I share with you all my pits and peaks for LUPA Talks this year in hopes of continuing to connect and grow with you all and for you all.

Pits 

This year has been one of trial and error, figuring out what people want and/or need. This had financial and time consequences, but we were able to identify what didn’t work to make more space for what did. So thank you to all of you who have been supportive and shared feedback to help me continue to grow and improve LUPA Talks.

Peaks

IRL Events 

The Sip and Speak event has been the most popular, especially the one we cohosted at Tola’s Room. We were able to foster beautiful collaborations and intimate connections that helped us understand how to build confidence in language learning and in the real-world use of our complete language skill set. 

Online Events 

Spanglish sessions provided an equally therapeutic virtual space with global reach for a supportive language-learning community. And the WhatsApp group that hosts the Spanglish Holiday Challenge provided a new daily space to motivate and encourage this community to use the language while feeling safe to take risks that connect us and allow us to grow. (Click here to join)

One-on-One Clients

As a teacher, I shouldn’t have a favorite student. But I do. Since 2009, when I started teaching, I have always been drawn to the Latino student who, despite expectations about language being placed on them, decides to learn their language and culture to connect more deeply with their identity, family, and culture. This year, I have a roster of students who fit that description, and I hope to continue supporting their language-learning journey for as long as they’d like. I am infinitely proud of their dedication to advancing their language skills to connect with their identity and culture.

Special Project 

Those of you who have been to the Spanish Sip and Speaks know that I have been working on a game to support language practice, as well as thinking about how we use language (metalinguistic practices). Thanks to the design support from the uber-talented Régine Carreras and community feedback from friends and family, I am now at a point where I can share that Dímelo will be available this holiday season. These Spanglish Conversation Cards are perfect for gathering and connecting more deeply about personal interests, as well as for reflecting on our multilingual/multicultural experiences. (Click here to pre-order)

Collaborations

Finally, I am very grateful to have been able to connect with other businesses and organizations that align and advance essential missions—including but not limited to Puerto Rico Distillery, Cultura Plenera, Qui Qui DC, La Cosecha, Tola’s Room, Maryland Foreign Language Association, Somos el Cambio, Spanish w/ Kerry, Detox Art, and Régine Designs. 

This year has been beautiful and full of rewarding experiences. But next year is shaping up to be even more fun! Things I am looking forward… 

Dímelo preorders now available (Click here for more info)

Spanglish Sessions will continue into 2026 (Click here for more info)

Presenting at SXSW EDU (Click here for more info)

Looking to plan Sip and Speaks for 2026 (Interested in cohosting/collaborating, reach out)

Wishing you all a great ending to 2025 and lots of connections through Spanglish conversations!