Most college campuses have resources for students taking language classes. Some of those resources include tutors, who are other upper division level students who help out students in those lower levels classes. Most of them are either native speakers or non-native speakers who are majors and minors. Whichever category you fall into, I'm sure you can relate to some of these struggles.

1. When students expect you to teach them everything they should've learned over the semester in 15 minutes.

At my school, we have a language lab where students come in and work on various videos and recordings. Lab assistants (such as myself) are there to help with their assignments, as well as tutor them if they need it. It's a great program, and the kids get in some practice speaking. It does, however get a little frustrating when people come in and expect you to teach them a semester's worth of information in a matter of minutes.

2. When students mispronounce the basics.

Yes, they are just learning, and yes they haven't been speaking and listening to Spanish for years. It's just that it's a little disheartening when, after a semester of trying to learn a language students still say things like "me llamo es," which translates to "I am called is..." We are not talking about llamas here people! Just keep practicing, mi amor.

3. When students come in and need help but then get testy with you.

If you work with language students long enough, you begin to learn when they need help but aren't telling you. One day, I walked over to a boy who had "the look" like he needed help and offered him my assistance. He responds with," No, I want HER help." OK sir, OK.

4. When you've been asked the same question 100 times but still have to be kind in your response.

It's just like retail: it doesn't matter how simple it is or how many times you have answered it in the past, you still have to answer it and with a big smile on your face.

5. Thursdays and Fridays before labs are due.

Language students are just that: students. And what do students do best (excluding Netflix and sleeping?) Procrastinate. And what does procrastination mean for the limited amount of computers in the language lab? Business. Stress. Students with short tempers. It's a blast.

Amid all of the things that make being a language tutor a struggle, it is a truly rewarding job. I get to work with some of the best people and also get to help students learn a language I love!