17 Jul Expanding Cultural Awareness

With the expanding cultural awareness in the National Parks, being able to communicate with visitors from different cultural backgrounds is essential. Luckily, Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial has been able to obtain Rosetta Stone in Spanish and made it available for all staff affiliated with the park. This includes paid staff, seasonal interns, maintenance, and volunteers. Having a simple understanding of different languages can make someone a more effective park employee, especially in interpretation and education. As a Spanish major, I found it important for my coworkers to utilize me as a mentor and a conversation partner. Before my time is over, I wish for all the staff to at least have an elementary  understanding of a few phrases in Spanish so when we do have Spanish speaking visitors they are more capable to engage them in what the park has to offer.