Let’s get to know Larissa!
Place of Origin
Idstein, Hessen, Germany
Place of Residence
Valle de Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. One of the hottest places on earth. The highest temperature I have experienced here was 56 degrees Celsius…
Languages spoken and how you learned them
My mother tongue is German.
I started to learn English in school but became fluent in it when I went to boarding school in York, England for 1 year when I was 15 years old.
I understand French but am very sad about the fact that I can barely speak it anymore after 9 years of studying it at school.
I am fluent in Spanish since I moved to Mexico in 2015. I arrived here without being able to say one single word in Spanish.
When did you start tutoring with Chatterbug?
I started tutoring at Chatterbug in October 2018.
Favorite place in the world and why?
Now that I live far away from my hometown the answer to that question is Idstein, Germany. I enjoy visiting my friends and family to the fullest every time I go and appreciate its landscapes and climate so much.
There are two places in the world that have struck me with their beauty though. One is the island of Mauritius. Its turquoise waters and breathtaking underwater life are simply incredible.
The other is Norway. We went on family vacation there when I was 11 years old but I still remember the beauty of the country, its Fjords and crazy, winding mountain roads.
Also, A Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna Beach, Southern California is a must-visit when in the area, ideally with a Mango Margharita in hands.
On my travel bucket list are Montana and Kentucky, USA and Bali!
Larissa’s Favorite Food
PASTA, PASTA, PASTA! In all its forms and shapes. Pasta all day and every day!
Also, mexican Pozole, Tacos de Carne Asada, Tacos dorados and Shrimp Ceviche.
3 Fun Facts about Larissa
- I have a V shaped birthmark on my forehead which becomes visible when I sweat or am upset. My father used to say that it is the devils mark. V for Veitsmal = Devils mark in old german language.
- I have the weirdo ability to say any word backwards within seconds…
- The nurse that was with me when I gave birth told me afterwards that I made her day because she has never heard someone scream so many swear words in 3 different languages during labour.
How do you motivate students?
I tell them that I can relate to how they feel because when I arrived in Mexico I understood nobody and was so frustrated and stressed for several months.
Learning Spanish was proof to me that conversational language learning is the most efficient and rewarding way of learning! I never took formal language classes in Spanish, I was thrown into cold water but I was conversational within weeks.
What is your favorite Chatterbug moment?
The step-by-step progress of every student is what motivates me so much and makes me happy on a daily basis. Being able to converse with them in German when at first they did not speak the language.
More about Larissa
My biggest passion are horses and animals in general. I started riding at 5 years old and competed in jumping and dressage events until I started Vet school.
Now, riding and spending time with my horses is like meditation to me. It cheers me up when I feel sad or nostalgic about missing my family and friends in Germany and it is my daily dose of physical exercise at the same time.
Say hello to @Lari1108 !
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. That’s not easy. How long did it take you to learn?
If I were the nurse, I would have also wondered “wow, what are those words?” 
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Super interesting birthmark you’ve got going on 
The architecture looks amazing!
