By Lisa Berry, Marketing & Programs Specialist for the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese
At the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP), we take immense pride in fostering student success through our programs, which recognize academic excellence and exceptional dedication to learning Spanish and/or Portuguese. This year, thirty-eight students were recognized through three scholarships for students offered by AATSP Exams, a branch program of the AATSP. Among these students is Sabah Alidina, a shining example of how language learning can open doors to a world of opportunities.
Sabah Alidina is one of this year’s Senior Scholarship winners, a prestigious accolade that includes a $1,000 one-time monetary prize to support students’ post-secondary studies. Students who apply for the Senior Scholarship provided by the AATSP Exams are required to sign up for the National Spanish Exam (NSE) or the National Portuguese Exam (NPE) to be eligible to apply. Students across the United States sit for NSE and NPE every year, and those students who place above the 75th percentile earn medal prizes and the chance to apply for one of three student scholarships.
Sabah, however, is not new to the spotlight. In 2023, she was also one of the recipients of the Junior Immersion Travel Abroad award, an experience that allowed her to immerse herself in the vibrant culture of Costa Rica through the AATSP Exams program. Now, as she prepares for college this fall, Sabah reflects on her journey, shaped by dedication, curiosity, and the opportunities provided by AATSP.
Over the past four years, Sabah has been an active participant in the National Spanish Exam (NSE), which has significantly influenced her academic and personal growth. Upon receiving her $1,000 Senior Scholarship award, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for everything, I have participated in the NSE for the past 4 years and it has opened so many doors for me and has allowed me to take my passion for the Spanish language and culture to another level."
Sabah’s commitment to language education is evident in her aspirations to become a dual-immersion elementary teacher. She shared, "My strong passion for advocating for a diverse education curriculum and global citizenship has driven me to become a dual immersion elementary teacher. My former teachers' dedication to their class sparked my interest in the Spanish language and culture. Thank you to NSE and AATSP for providing me with this opportunity and for providing an outlet to explore my passions."
For Sabah, learning another language is more than an academic pursuit—it’s a way to open doors to personal and professional growth. She shared with us a powerful insight, saying, "Aside from the fact that it is our responsibility as human beings to learn about others to develop a diverse perspective, learning other languages allows you to get more job opportunities. Nowadays, many companies are looking for employees who can communicate in multiple languages, especially English and Spanish. Being at least bilingual is a great advantage that helps anyone. Knowing more languages offers the opportunity to do more varied and unique jobs, such as working abroad."
Sabah’s story is one of many that emerge from AATSP’s extensive programs, and is a strong reminder of what can be achieved through the dedication for multilingual skill acquisition. This year alone, a total of 41 students from 20 different U.S. states were recognized through the AATSP Exams’ student awards programs, while three teachers were also recognized through teacher scholarships. These initiatives are designed to support teachers and encourage students who demonstrate excellence in Spanish and Portuguese language studies, offering them opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
The AATSP has been a guiding force for Spanish and Portuguese educators since 1917, helping students like Sabah access life-changing experiences. From our flagship programs like Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH) and AATSP Exams (formerly the National Spanish Examinations) to the Sociedade Honorária de Língua Portuguesa and the Annual AATSP Conference, we are committed to ensuring that both teachers and students have the support they need to succeed in their language teaching and learning journeys.
Sabah’s achievements also highlight the critical role that educators play in nurturing students’ passion for languages. By engaging with AATSP programs, teachers can open up a world of opportunities for their students—from scholarships to travel experiences and more. We encourage teachers of Spanish and Portuguese to continue inspiring their students and to make full use of the resources available through the AATSP.
For more information on how the AATSP can support both students and teachers in their language-learning journeys, please visit www.aatsp.org.