From thinking you can hold your own in a conversation to getting excited when you actually understand something you hear in Spanish, there are several things all Spanish majors and minors know to be true.

1. You think you are fluent enough to handle a conversation until you actually have to do it.

I've had a penpal from Spain for about four years now. I'm always up for trying to have a full conversation with him in Spanish instead of English until I actually have to do it. Then, I tend to blurt out a few sentences and that's about it.

2. You've probably learned the hard way that Google Translate is not very accurate.

There is nothing more embarrassing than using Google Translate only to be busted because it isn't accurate and it's obvious you used it. My previously mentioned penpal would fuss at me often for using it.

3. You get excited when you hear a conversation in Spanish and can understand or somewhat follow along.

I love to watch Spanish movies or videos and see what I can pick up on. And nothing is more exciting than when I can understand the language better and better.

4. It bothers you when people pronounce Spanish words wrong or without the proper accent.

My younger brother is just now starting to learn Spanish and I cringe every time he pronounces something wrong. But, like the good sister I am, I try to correct him and help him out.

5. You know that amazing feeling of knowing you spoke a perfect sentence, phrase, or question.

I can always tell when I spoke a perfect sentence, phrase, or question. It is the best feeling and gives me so much confidence in my studies.

While I am only a short distance into my Spanish minor studies, I know these things are true at least for the people who are still in the early stages of their major or minor.