Member Profile: Melody Pettus

Although only new to learning Irish, Melody Pettus says that she is 100% in love with the pursuit! She had a great experience with her first Let’s Learn Irish A0 Introductory course, noting: “(The teacher) did a fantastic job bringing forward not just the art of speaking Irish, but the background and context that goes into its expressiveness. I am also very fortunate to have discovered that my dearest friend’s partner Dalton Ó Muilleoir, had a relationship with this group. He has been extremely helpful and encouraging to me along the way”.

Melody opted to be a ‘VideoOnly‘ student, meaning she registered to receive the video recordings of her course, but did not attend the weekly, live sessions. By all accounts, it worked out well for her: “I was one of the “video lurkers” due to my lack of confidence to be able to keep up live with the interactive dialog and I did find that having the video resource helped me hone in on the areas I needed to build on”.

Melody looks forward to returning to classes soon, and when she does, it will be at the next language level: “I am planning to rejoin later in the year for the A1 series. I am taking a short break now to review my A0 materials, as well as trying to listen to Raidió na Gaeltachta to build my vocabulary and listening skills. In the meantime, keep up the fantastic work!”

Agus nach maith sin!

Cé Thusa?

Ainm/Name: Melody Pettus

Áit/Location: Conyers, Georgia, USA.

Leibhéal/Level: A0 Introductory

Ról sa Chomhphobal/Role in the Community: Foghlaimeoir/Learner

Slí Beatha/Occupation: Sr Program Manager EDI Digital Engagement

Fad ag foghlaim Gaeilge/Time learning Irish: Two months

Caithimh Aimseartha/Hobbies: Gardening, lever harp, enjoying my grandchildren

Cad is Fearr Leat?

Ceol/Music: All over the place. Classical, Folk/Traditional (all cultures), 90s rock, etc.

Amhrán/Song: I love you more. The Beatles

Bia/Food: India

Deoch/Drink: Matcha

Scannán/Film: Waking Ned Devine

Clár Teilifíse/TV Show: The Ocean at the End of the Lane- Neil Gaiman

Ainmhí/Animal: The Unwanted/Abandoned ones

Laoch/Hero: My children

Áit in Éirinn/Place in Ireland: Cnoc Áine

Frása Gaeilge/Irish phrase: Lá breá atá ann

Miotaseolaíocht/Irish Mythology: Áine, Midhir and Etain, Óisín, the Fianna

Mana saoil/Life motto: Protect with Love. Serve with Joy. Live with Honor.

Comhairle d’fhoghlaimeoirí nua/Advice for new learners of Irish: Do it at your own pace but stick with it. It is worth the time to embrace the richness of the culture behind the words.

Join the online Irish community for cúrsaí, comhrá & ceardlanna, and follow along on social media @LetsLearnIrish – beidh fáilte romhat!

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