Spanish - a vibrant and ever-growing language. It's a language of metaphor and hyperbole and words that roll off your tongue as beautifully as the R's should. The practicality of learning a language so prominent in the U.S. and throughout the world makes Spanish a viable major. The classroom is a valuable resource, but how do you - a dedicated Spanish major - take your education one step further?
Talk to people.
Yes, it will be uncomfortable, difficult, and you will doubt yourself. But the rewards reaped from actually chatting with native speakers far outweighs any of these awkward situations.
The act of striking up conversations with strangers or acquaintances is uncomfortable in any regard. This step will take a little courage on your part. But, from my experience, people will either be understanding and patient, or find the conversation more convenient to speak in their native tongue. I've spoken with two people who embody these attitudes this past summer.
The first was a charismatic and kind waiter who happened to speak Spanish and let me order in Spanish to help my fluidity in speaking. Not only did he allow me that opportunity, but he taught me "real world" phrases to improve my vernacular and corrected me when I botched grammar. It was a great experience and I walked away with more knowledge.
The second uncomfortable experience I'd like to share with my fellow Spanish majors is the array of interactions I've had with Hispanic customers working retail. I used to never offer to speak Spanish, thinking it'd be slower, awkward or even offensive. But one day, my manager was speaking with a disgruntled woman who, due to being emotional about the retail slight, was struggling to articulate exactly what she meant. When I tried to help, and told her I understood Spanish, she said to me bitterly, "You mean I've been talking to this woman in English while I could've been speaking with you? Why didn't you come over here?" From then on, I always offer to do transactions in Spanish if I hear customers speaking to their friends and family in Spanish. More often than not, people will appreciate the effort. If not, then just brush it off and don't let one interaction discourage your drive to communicate.
Speaking of discouragement, conversing with native speakers is often difficult and leads to self-doubt. They will likely speak more quickly than you're used to and with a much wider array of vocabulary and slang. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification and draw upon context clues.
Each interaction will get easier - I promise. Immersion is the most effective way to learn, and you're lucky to live in a culture with many opportunities to speak Spanish. The attempt is always worth it, Spanish majors! Take the risk to reap the reward.