Sophomore Nate Katz already knows three languages. Nate was born in a Colombian household and spoke Spanish and English as a child.  “It was 50/50 throughout my childhood. I never really stuck to one language,” Katz said. He is very interested in his culture as well. He visits Colombia once a year. 

Katz is in French class this year. “I had wanted to learn another language,” he said. “My older sister had been learning French so I got the interest from her.” He started learning French in sixth grade. His teacher is Mrs. Sacra. He is in French III and plans on being inducted into the French Honor Society this year. 

“Both the languages have a similar flow to them,” Katz said, speaking of French and Spanish. “There is really no difference in most words except for spelling.” 

Katz says that his mother has had an impact on his learning new languages. “She and I both started learning French at the same time so If she struggles, or I do, we can help each other out with it.” Katz said he would also like to learn Portuguese. 

Katz has one language he relies on when visiting family. “I usually only speak Spanish because they don’t really know much English.”

Katz is what a lot of people strive to be. He knows three of the biggest languages in the world. Most people in their lives only know two languages, at most. Katz will take the National French Placement test next year where thousands of French speakers in the U.S. will take a test and be ranked among other students. It is very challenging and stressful. He took it last year and placed above average but would like to be in the top 500.