A captivating flamenco performance, an international potluck featuring global cuisines, and moments of prayer in diverse languages contribute to the festivities of World Language Week. This year, Sacred Heart Greenwich celebrates World Language Week March 4 through 8. The events encourage students to explore the linguistic diversity within the school community. Each day this week, students learn to value the unique perspectives encapsulated in various languages. Senior Belén Scheggia, co-head of the Foreign Language Club, delved into her journey and experience in five different countries and cultures.
Schools select a week during the school year to celebrate world languages, enhancing students’ appreciation for the different cultures present in their everyday lives. Through this celebration, students can acknowledge the richness of languages worldwide. The week fosters inclusivity and develops an environment of acceptance for people from diverse linguistic backgrounds, according to edutopia.org. The Sacred Heart community, especially the Foreign Language Club, actively recognizes world languages.
Belén lived in several different countries around the world. She was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she lived until the age of 4. She moved across the world and spent her early childhood in Rome, Italy. Then, she moved back to South America to Bogotá, Colombia, where she lived until the age of 12. Belén briefly lived in Mexico City, Mexico, before moving to Greenwich, Connecticut. In each of these countries, Belén adapted to the cultural differences and learned the language. Belén remarked on her journey of learning multiple languages.
“Something that I found interesting and helpful throughout my life was the ability to learn each language but also connect them,” Belén said. “With Spanish as my first language, I was able to use it as a guide to learn other languages. Going to an international school helped me a lot, especially socially. I made friends who came from all over the world. My closest friends were Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Zimbabwean. Hearing each other speak our languages every day helped us to learn further.”
Drawing on her experiences living in different countries, Belén leads the Foreign Language Club, which emphasizes the importance of embracing a global perspective and aims to promote connection within the Upper School. Through cultural understanding, individuals attain a deeper comprehension of complex issues and their interconnectedness. Global awareness helps promote appreciation of cultures by breaking down barriers and stereotypes that can lead to prejudice and conflict. Individuals develop greater appreciation and respect for cultural diversity by learning about different cultures and ways of living, according to verywellmind.com. Belén reflected on the club’s mission and the fundamental principles of promoting global awareness.
“The primary goal of the club is to promote a sense of community in the Upper School by advocating the significance of global citizenship,” Belén said. “We strive to do so through community building and community service by helping immigrant centers and language schools. Although the club revolves around the value of linguistics, we want to widen the cultural scope of the student body. We want to do so by understanding diverse countries’ different cultural practices and traditions. There is often a dissociation between individuals and unfamiliar societies. By understanding the impacts of our actions as global citizens, we can work to make more informed choices that promote social justice.”
Belén is fluent in Spanish, Italian, and English, and is currently taking French. The club grants members opportunities to explore languages that are not options in the school curriculum. Beyond that, the club offers numerous benefits, aiding members in developing valuable language skills and cultural competencies that enrich their lives both personally and professionally. Belén elaborated on the club’s impact, highlighting how learning different languages positively influences its members.
“The Foreign Language Club provides an opportunity for members to continue to learn and practice a new language in a supportive and immersive environment beyond the classroom,” Belén said. “Members are exposed to the culture and customs of the languages around them. This helps them gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the language and its people, which can lead to greater empathy and cross-cultural understanding. The club also provides a social outlet for members interested in learning a new language. This can lead to new friendships and connections with people from diverse backgrounds.”
Belén’s passion for culture and language goes beyond King Street. She volunteers at Building One Community, an organization whose mission is to integrate immigrants into the community. Belén is actively involved with their Homework Club, where she helps children enhance their logical thinking skills as well as their mathematical and linguistic skills. In addition to her work at Building One Community, Belén occasionally volunteers with her church, where she serves food to immigrant families.
Belén’s experience in different countries strengthened her appreciation of foreign languages. Her understanding of the role language plays in connecting cultural divides inspires her to promote global awareness within the Sacred Heart community. The Foreign Language Club stimulates members’ understanding of various languages and cultures by providing an encouraging environment. Belén expressed her passion for language and culture.
“I have learned so much about what it means to be culturally different and aware,” Belén said. “Every opportunity I have had to indulge in the beauty of culture and language has allowed me to identify with every country I step into. In some way or another, I am able to either connect with different cultures or somehow understand a new language. Leaving friends and family behind every one to four years has taught me to face new beginnings with optimism. I hope that one day, everyone can understand that foreign places should not be feared or ignored. In truth, the world is easy to navigate once we embrace the unknown.”
Featured Image by Caitlin Leahy ’25
