Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Richardson Silva.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! My name is Lauren and I’m a Trilingual Wife and Mom.
I was raised in Austin, Texas. My mother is an immigrant from Colombia and my father is from California. I grew up speaking mostly English and some Spanish. As a child, I remember my mother learning English and how eager she was to speak, learn, ask questions about the language, and laugh at her own errors during the experience. I always admired how much fun she had learned and she was never ashamed of her accent.
From a young age, my parents instilled curiosity about other cultures and people from different backgrounds. I think my mother’s love of laughter and my father’s determined attitude created the foundation of values that I’ve carried with me throughout my life, even now as an English Second Language Teacher.
In 2010, I moved to Northeastern Brazil for a year and a half to do volunteer work. There, I learned to speak Brazilian Portuguese and I fell in love with the people, the culture, and the food. I loved the country so much that I vowed I would marry a Brazilian man and in 2015, I married the love of my life, Phelipe who is American/Brazilian. He also speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.
In 2016, we both moved to Brazil and while there I became an English Second Language teacher. I started teaching private clients, group lessons, and business executives, holding workshops and private coaching for job interviews, and presentations. My focus is to help students develop confidence in conversation, useful vocabulary, and proficient pronunciation.
I learned that so many people are very, very capable, however, there aren’t very many resources to help people learn everyday English vocabulary. Many people are taught what I would call “textbook” English. However, most Americans do not speak like that. As a result, there is a dissonance in the available resources to English learners for everyday vocabulary, expressions, and American English pronunciation.
I made it a personal goal to help students to learn “REAL” American English, not just what you find in the textbook. To help take away shame from having an accent and help individuals flourish on their language learning journey.
English classes can be very expensive so I wanted to reach more people with free content. As the demand for teaching grew, I started teaching people online via social media: Youtube, Instagram, and Tiktok. On social media, I share my life and the things I do with my family while simultaneously teaching culture, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Learning a new language can be very stressful so overall I try to make the content fun, light-hearted, and relatable.
I’m grateful to be able to provide free content via social media to people all over the world. It is incredible to be able to contribute and give back to others.
I’m currently creating a mini English course to help individuals develop confidence and everyday English vocabulary and pronunciation.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I remember lacking confidence when I first started posting content online.
One day in Brazil, I remember standing at a bus stop on my way to ballet and thinking, “Why would anyone want to watch my videos or follow me?” I was really embarrassed posting pictures and videos of myself. Sometimes it is still awkward but I’m hopeful the content will help someone and be worth it. I really appreciate and value each person who dedicates time to engage with my content.
Another challenge was when we had been living in São Paulo Brazil for about 4.5 years and I got pregnant. My husband and I were so excited! A few days later news of the pandemic arrived in Brazil. To be cautious, we thought it would be good to spend two months near family in the US. We packed our carry-on luggage and flew back the next day but unfortunately, we never returned. We gave away most of our belongings and had some dear friends hold on to some of our more personal items.
After realizing we were not going back to our home in Brazil we had to essentially start over in the USA. Thankfully we had family to help us, but it was very difficult. Throughout this time I continued to teach online classes as well as through social media.
We eventually rented another apartment in the USA and I gave birth to our beautiful son Levi. It was then that began the biggest challenge that I’ve had to deal with in life. Not only was I a new mother which is very difficult, but I had complications.
For months I struggled walking and would use a wheelchair whenever I left home. I was in excruciating pain and even the most simple tasks were so hard. Thankfully, my husband, parents, family, and others were incredibly supportive. Thankfully I am much better today than I was a year and a half ago. I still struggle, but I can walk on my own and for much longer than before.
I’m also so grateful to the online community that I have, so many people have been supportive and encouraging me as well. I’ve continued to teach English online while going through these challenges, but I have learned a few things…
In the beginning, I felt like my “contribution” (posts on social media) was invaluable and likely not doing any good. I was wrong, even though it was something small, it DID help others. I encourage anyone that wants to try something new, but is scared I recommend taking the risk! What may seem small to you might be a big deal for another and could possibly end up working out.
Moving to Brazil and then moving back to the USA I got a very small taste of what it is like to move to another country to start a new life. I have huge admiration for those that immigrate to a new country to start over. And even more respect for those that don’t speak the native language. Those that make the jump are so brave.
Because of my current disability, I’ve learned to have even more patience. And how important compassion is. Especially self-compassion. It is really hard to compare yourself to others and even past success in other areas. Some English second language students get very discouraged because they compare themselves to others or have set their goal of perfection. But who even speaks their own language perfectly? It is critical to focus on doing your best and not worry about others.
But learning a new language requires a lot of determination, humility, and strength to be consistent and constantly learning. Many people will never have a “perfect” accent, however, they can have fantastic communication. As a teacher, coach or American English friend my goal is to help my students love the journey of learning, and have fun with it. Build confidence to get them through the errors with laughter and come out stronger on the other side.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in teaching everyday English vocabulary, conversation skills, culture, and confidence-building. I share my life and experiences that you can expect in “REAL” American English. I’m currently creating my own mini-course and have free content available on social media.
Some things that set me apart from others:
I am a native English speaker, fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. (this provides me with insight into language-specific tendencies and common errors depending on the native language and geographical region). I teach conversational English not textbook English. I do not focus on grammar.
I have a good understanding of the cultural values of the students because I have lived in South America for 5.5 years. I like to make the learning fun and practical with real-life experiences. I am a mother, a wife and an entrepreneur. My mother is a Native Spanish speaker and immigrant to the USA.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Business. I like to make learning fun and practical. I love positive psychology and am trying to implement it in my teaching. I am certified in the course, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, and took another course from the Positive Psychology Institute of FLOW. In my teaching, I place an emphasis on developing self-confidence, self-compassion, and fun.
I’m most proud of my students (I consider the social media following students as well) They work so hard, and tirelessly to learn and many against significant challenges. It brings me joy to see them succeed and it is amazing to help the create study habits that are the foundation for success.
I started teaching private clients, group lessons, and business executives, holding workshops and private coaching for job interviews, and presentations. My focus is to help students develop confidence in conversation, useful vocabulary, and proficient pronunciation. Language fluency is not a destination, but a journey.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? I learned English, then Spanish, and most recently Portuguese. All through conversation, through lots of trial and error, and making friends along the way. I love to communicate and build relationships and learn about others.
It’s so exciting to discover new cultures. If anyone is seeking to learn a new language, my best tip would be to make a friend that speaks the language you are trying to learn. Maybe you don’t speak a word but a smile and a wave go a long way. You might be surprised how willing others are to help you if you are open to learning.
Don’t take yourself too seriously. The only way to learn is to get out there and make mistakes. So make them as much as you can! Pick a good audience too. Find people that will support you and encourage you through your mistakes.
If you struggle with speaking, watch movies and repeat the lines aloud, Read books aloud and listen along with the audio. Sing to your favorite songs on the radio. Find ways to truly enjoy and immerse yourself in the language by doing the things you already love.
Contact Info:
- Email: Hello@learnenglishwithlauren.com
- Website: https://www.learnenglishwithlauren.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learnenglishwithlauren/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faleinglescomlauren/?show_switched_toast=1&show_invite_to_follow=0&show_switched_tooltip=0&show_podcast_settings=0&show_community_transition=0&show_community_review_changes=0
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMvtvGtqhYIL4zp8X5lUr5A
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@learnenglishwithlauren?lang=en
Image Credits:
Brittany Jacox
