Who is Lexis?

Lexi wearing sunglasses, pondering with a large faux diamond ring, 2007.

From McMinnville, TN, to Madrid, Spain, Lexis Sullens’s love for the Spanish language, travel, and new cultures has spanned the 4,665-mile gap between her and the rest of her family. Her own mother, Dr. Tabetha Sullens, explains, “Since Lexi was a toddler, she has been infatuated with the Spanish language, and I’ve always tried to encourage her to think outside of the city where she was born.” And Lexi has done just that. Since going abroad for her first time during her Sophomore year of High School to Athens, Greece, Lexi has found a new love for European culture and the rich history of each country. Since staying with a host family during her Maymester program at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2019, Lexi has used her love of the Spanish language in her own home, creating a sphere of influence in her United States-based residence, occupations, and relationships. Lexi’s love of the Spanish language transcends the distance between her and a Spanish-speaking country. She has developed a rich appreciation for the language, having lived in various locations in Spain since graduating from Rhodes in 2022, including San Sebastián, Madrid, and Valencia. In San Sebastian specifically, Lexi adopted the new Basque culture, taking it upon herself to learn words and phrases she still uses outside the area today. Not only is she a role model for those around her, but her accomplishments are only part of what makes Lexi… Lexi.

Why Spanish?

“What makes travelling and the Spanish language so important to me is resisting the norms American history has played in the erasure of true cultures overall,” explained Lexi. “As I have grown, I have seen the need to break free from the monolingual, Anglo-Saxon ideals that plagued my mind for so long and glossed over those women who used resistance so I could learn about the truth behind our personal histories with language.” Lexi began her journey with Spanish early in life, learning simple phrases, numbers, and colors at just five years old. As Lexi grew, she married her multilingual experience with her hands-on experiences alongside her grandmother, reading traditional children’s books in Spanish and effectively communicating with other Spanish–speaking individuals in her home. Each time Lexi began something new, she took the extra step to learn how to say that activity in a foreign language… Not typical for toddlers who are only starting to spell their own name. Lexi’s approach to adopting her non-native language into her life from an early age not only demonstrates her ability to practice consistency but also to resist challenges today.

What challenges has she endured?

Learning a new language through immersion comes with a plethora of challenges for the learner, particularly in terms of distance, rather than speaking an entirely new vernacular. Her mother explains, “Although I miss her terribly every single day, every moment of every day, the joy I feel from watching her grow and explore and reach her dreams is bigger than any selfishness I faced in wanting to see her daily.” Letting go and watching a child grow into an adult has been rewarding, however… She continues, “I could not be more proud of her understanding of the world and her empathy and passion for other cultures.” After leaving for Spain so shortly after graduating college, time at home with her daughter has been meager, and it hasn’t only affected those around her but also Lexi herself. “Every time I would get out of the car and head into BNA, the hugs that had to last for upwards of five months would bring tears to my eyes. I was sure in my passions and was excited, but leaving behind those connections that mean more to me than anything impacts me just as much as any new culture I learn about.” One of Lexi’s most significant challenges, leaving home for a liminal space that aligns with her values, has been the most impactful. “A simple FaceTime call with my mom isn’t the same as sitting in her bed, eating popcorn, and watching the latest drama released on Netflix. You can’t recreate those moments outside of the home.” Although Lexi feels the intense emotional impact of leaving home so early in her career, she understands the value of doing so, which makes her entire family sure that becoming a scholar in Spain is what she is meant to do.

Where is Lexi today?

Today, Lexi continues her journey in learning Spanish to the fullest. She’s even begun learning new languages like Italian and French just this past year, using Preply not only to teach Spanish but also to understand other language-thrill-seekers like herself and their methods of instruction. Being on both sides of the classroom has made her the perfect candidate for any educational opportunity. As she seeks these opportunities, she currently resides in Madrid, Spain, and is both a tutor and a full-time instructor of Spanish and English. Her mission to make language fun and accessible continues to transcend any distance, as her online tutoring sessions span from South America to Eurasia. Lexi has consistently demonstrated her love for the Spanish language and culture, weaving it into each of her lessons. Simply put, she is the model that language academia strives for.

Lexi is the model.

Lexi’s constant effort to deepen her understanding of language and culture makes her an asset to any team she is part of. I am proud to call Lexi a big sister because she models working hard by loving exactly what she does. Suppose I ever need someone to contact about the etymology of the Spanish language and to advise me on how to convince American Airlines to rebook a flight. In that case, I have the resource at a tap, who not only knows how to explain it but also uses grace whilst doing so. Lexi demonstrates what true friendship and family mean because, no matter where she is in the world, I feel a deep connection to her conscience and care. In the meantime, I need to book a flight to see her! ¡Hasta luego!