Forney Seniors Say “Hola!” to New Spanish Classes

It’s never too late to learn something new, and the residents of Pegasus Landing of Forney are proving that! Many of the community’s seniors are brushing up on their Spanish-speaking skills, thanks to the community’s first-ever Spanish class led by Dining Room Supervisor Rosa Gonzales. The first class kicked off this month, and residents are already counting down the days until the next session.

Rosa has been part of Pegasus Landing of Forney for over 11 years. The idea for the Spanish classes began when Michaela Rawdon, the Life Enrichment Director, asked Gonzales if she would be interested in teaching. Gonzales welcomed the opportunity to share her knowledge and engage with the residents in a new way.

“I believe it’s important because they like to be refreshed in knowledge that they’ve had previously,” Gonzales said. “It works different parts of their brain that they aren’t always using, and it always surprises those who have taken Spanish classes in the past how much they still remember. It’s great for their brains to remain active and engaged.”

Held twice a month, these classes are drawing in at least ten residents per session. But the learning doesn’t stop when class ends—residents can be heard practicing their new Spanish phrases with Gonzales throughout the community. Whether it’s a cheerful “Buenos días” or a friendly “¡Gracias!” The language lessons are sparking new conversations.