I live and work in Miami, Florida. If you've ever visited the Miami area, you know that it is full of lush tropical vegetation, beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather, and a rather large Hispanic population. In fact, there are some parts of this city where you would be hard pressed to find a person who spoke English. I am not a native of Miami. I'm not sure if such person as a native even exists down here. My wife and I moved to Miami 2 years ago to be closer to her parents - retirees living in Ft. Lauderdale. We love the area and feel blessed to be here. Shortly after moving here, I found a job working for a manufacturing plant making $15 an hour. It is an excellent company that has given me two raises over the past two years bringing my hourly wage up to $16.50 an hour. The problem is that this is the top of the pay scale for my position, and it has been implied more than once that I would do well in management if I could speak Spanish.

My initial reaction was not pleasure at this revelation. After all - I'm an American! Why should I have to learn to speak Spanish? But, I have to admit, given the number of Hispanic employees, it would only make sense to be able to communicate effectively with them. That isn't to say that none can speak English. All can speak at least a small amount of English, but when taking orders about handling dangerous chemicals, "a small amount of English" isn't good enough. Instructions need to be clear for everyone's safety.

Three months ago, my wife and I found out we are expecting our first child. We are thrilled about this, but now it is imperative that I am able to move up within my company. Kids aren't cheap! Sure, I could look around for another position, but I really do like this job and could see retiring from this place. Not to mention, as long as I live in South Florida, I will likely run into the same problem. I've decided to bite the bullet and learn to speak Spanish.

The first thing I did was check into the community college, but quickly ruled it out due to the cost. The price of the couse book alone was shocking! I then started looking into internet courses. After checking out several, I ended up buying Rocket Spanish

• the best selling Spanish course on the net. I've had it for two months now, and I have to say it's a lot easier than I thought it would be. The course is advertised as "learn to speak Spanish in under 3 months", but I'm only about 1/2 way through it. I should have it completed in 4 months. I don't doubt that you could learn it in under 3 months if you really applied yourself. The fault is not with the course, but with the user. My issue is that I haven't been in school in a LONG time and I'm afraid my attention span is not what it used to be. However, it is getting better!

When my boss found out what I was doing, he was very complimentary of my initiative. I have a good feeling about my next job review!

If you are faced with the same delima, I highly recommend getting a course and learning to speak a second language. If this redneck can do it, anyone can! I also highly recommend Rocket Spanish. It is easy to use and is fun. After completing this course, I'm going to look into other internet courses. This little course will change my lifestyle. Now I'm curious as to what else is out there!