April 15, 2025
At Kendal on Hudson, we celebrate the diverse talents, passions, and experiences of our residents. This month, we’re delighted to spotlight Harriet Barnett, a remarkable resident whose lifelong love for languages has enriched both her life and the community around her.
About Harriet: A Lifelong Passion for Languages
Harriet’s journey with languages began at a young age. “I lined up my dolls and neighborhood children when I could find them and ‘taught’ them even though I had nothing to teach. I was fascinated with other languages and cultures even as a child,” she said. “Spanish sounded rhythmic (which it is), so I loved the sounds,” she added.
Harriet’s love for languages expanded in high school when she had a Cuban pen pal who could not speak English. “That gave me a reason to push and be able to communicate however I could,” she said.
Her passion led her to attend the Middlebury Summer Language Program, where she immersed herself in Spanish 24/7. “In class, you learned grammar and vocabulary with marvelous professors in a very meaningful way through interactions, plays, books, etc. Outside of class, you stumbled and bumbled to get your meanings across in order to interact with others,” Harriet said. This transformative experience was the spark that ignited her lifelong commitment to language learning and teaching.
A Trailblazing Career in Language Education
Harriet’s career as an educator began when she volunteered to teach Spanish at her children’s elementary school. “Almost no schools, including my own, had elementary [school] programs in 1959. Foreign Language traditionally started in high school, and very occasionally in middle school. It was so successful that parents of children in other classes complained to the school board, saying they wanted this experience for their children as well,” she said.
Her innovative approach and enthusiasm resonated with both students and parents, leading the school board to choose to continue the program and offer her a paid teaching position.
Harriet said, “I am so lucky to have had a very long, successful and appreciated professional life. Besides being a teacher I became a workshop leader, a lecturer, an author and had the satisfaction of making profound changes in how languages are now taught.”
Spanish: A Lifelong Connection
Spanish has been an integral part of Harriet’s personal and professional life. “Being able to use another language allows you to enter another culture,” she said. “It enables you to see other ways of looking at things, that other values are just as valid as your own. You realize that there is more than one way [than] yours to interpret situations,” Harriet explained.
Her connection to Spanish continues to flourish at Kendal on Hudson, where she seamlessly integrates her love for the language into her daily routine. Harriet enjoys engaging with both English and Spanish-speaking residents and staff members.
She said, “Spanish is an integral part of my life at Kendal in so many ways. I am lucky to be able to interact with English and Spanish-speaking residents and staff members. It allows me to enter the Latino culture and helps me establish a special relationship with all.”
But her contributions go beyond casual conversations. Harriet also teaches Spanish to residents and helps staff members improve their English. “Since I love teaching, being able to teach all these classes allows me to continue doing what I love even with some physical-age-related problems.”
Making an Impact at Kendal on Hudson
Harriet’s enthusiasm for teaching and her commitment to sharing her knowledge has made a lasting impact on the Kendal on Hudson community. She has led Spanish conversation groups and offered informal lessons to interested residents.
Through her efforts, Harriet has helped create a more inclusive, connected environment where residents and staff members alike feel empowered to learn and grow.
The Benefits of Learning a Second Language
Harriet is a firm believer in the cognitive and social benefits of learning a second language, especially for seniors.
“All scientific studies show that learning or using a second language helps seniors maintain their mental acuity. It is sort of like doing mental exercises and having fun at the same time. Here at Kendal, it enlarges your social contacts since it gives you so many more people with whom to interact,” she said.
Embracing Life at Kendal on Hudson
When asked what she enjoys most about living at Kendal on Hudson, Harriet said, “I find Kendal a wonderful place in which to grow older. There is a warm and comfortable atmosphere among friendly people whom I respect. There is always something to do and someone to do it with…it is my lovely, safe, clean home!”
A True Asset to the Kendal Community
Harriet Barnett embodies the spirit of lifelong learning, cultural exploration, and community engagement that defines Kendal on Hudson. Her passion for languages, dedication to teaching, and contributions to the community make her an invaluable part of the vibrant and diverse environment residents enjoy every day.
If you’d like to explore the enriching lifestyle at Kendal on Hudson and meet inspiring residents like Harriet, we invite you to call us at 833-235-5850 to schedule a tour and see firsthand what makes our community so special.