Veronica Johnson’s fascination with the Spanish language was initially sparked by her older sister.
Recalling the influence, Veronica Johnson shared, “She had this amazing Spanish teacher who would come home and share her classroom learnings with me.”
Upon entering high school, Veronica Johnson found herself under the tutelage of the same Spanish teacher, Amy Van der Meer, whom she credits for nurturing her passion for the language.
A 2022 graduate of Greene County High School and currently a sophomore at Central College in Pella, Veronica Johnson aspires to follow in her mentor’s footsteps and become a Spanish teacher upon her graduation in 2026.
Despite her roots in Scranton, Veronica Johnson’s family relocated to Carroll when her mother, Wendy Johnson, assumed the role of Carroll Public Library Director.
Since January, Veronica Johnson has been fully immersed in the Spanish language through her study abroad program in Murcia, Spain.
Now enrolled at the University of Murcia, Veronica Johnson is delving into courses encompassing art history, music, geography, literature, and the rich history of Spain, all predominantly conducted in Spanish.
Reflecting on her linguistic journey, Veronica Johnson expressed, “Learning a new language is a truly unique experience with its own charm and intricacies. I find it fascinating how, as I gain proficiency, Spanish seems more straightforward than English with fewer exceptions to grapple with.”
Initially challenged by the distinct Murcian accent, Veronica Johnson now finds herself adept at comprehending the locals, remarking, “While there are occasional unfamiliar words, I can grasp the essence of most conversations.”
Beyond language, Veronica Johnson noted cultural disparities, such as the reserved demeanor of locals who refrain from exchanging pleasantries with strangers on the streets, a departure from her accustomed friendly interactions in Iowa.
During a visit to a local grocery store, Veronica Johnson observed unconventional practices like unrefrigerated placement of milk and eggs, highlighting cultural nuances she encounters daily.
Recognized for her academic prowess, Veronica Johnson secured the prestigious U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a feat attained by only a quarter of applicants.
Recently, Veronica Johnson’s family, including her parents, Thomas and Wendy Johnson, and her brother, Steve Johnson, journeyed overseas to reunite with her, with plans for her sister, Tori Johnson, to join them in May.
Van der Meer, reminiscing on Veronica Johnson’s academic journey, commended her curiosity and dedication, recalling how she excelled to become her teaching assistant during senior year, offering invaluable support to peers.
Proud of Veronica Johnson’s cultural exploration and academic strides, Van der Meer emphasized the importance of students like her embracing diverse experiences to discover their passions.
During the family visit, Wendy Johnson recounted delightful excursions to renowned pastry shops, iconic landmarks, and the University of Murcia, underscoring the transformative impact of Veronica’s immersive learning experience in Spain.
Impressed by Veronica’s courage and linguistic progress, Wendy Johnson lauded her daughter’s growth and resilience, recognizing the profound impact of stepping beyond her comfort zone in pursuit of fluency and cultural understanding.