By: Katelyn Aurigemma, junior reporter
WJPS Spanish teacher Mr. Neal Reff spent two years of his life living in Spain studying abroad for college. He worked for the opportunity and he acted upon it. He never imagined himself in this situation, but he does not regret it at all.
He describes the decision as ‘the best experience of my life.’ He feels as if the trip was meant to happen, almost as if it was in his destiny to live there.
At the time he wasn’t too confident with the choice he made, but after a while looking back at it he knows it was 100 percent the right choice.
Throughout the trip Mr. Reff created some unforgettable memories. His experiences included skiing ‘on the mountain of Pyrenees’ to taking ‘99 cent flights to Belgium’ and eating the most authentic Spanish food made by the natives of Spain.
He has seen mostly all of Spain except Barcelona. Many of the opportunities he had there are not available in New York, such as visiting several cathedrals and swimming the Mediterranean Sea.
“It is like visiting America and not seeing New York,” Reff said.
While living in Spain he absorbed the rich culture the country had to offer. This was significant in his development of the Spanish language. He entered Spain with minimal Spanish skills and left a whole different person.
Not only did it increase his language, it also opened his eyes. He realized that he was immature and had a lot more to learn in life.
The opportunity also gave him some of the best friends he could have. He still talks to them almost daily despite the distance.
Of course this event also helped with his current career. The trip gave him insight and personal experience related to the Spanish culture which makes his job as a teacher easier.
Mr. Reff decided to continue college closer to home. He recently graduated from Molloy College in Rockville Centre after years of hard work.
The advice he always gives to people going into college is to listen. “You’ll go far in life if you just listen, college will be hard if you don’t,” Reff said.
