Hardman Uses Language Skills to Build Bridges

When Quinn Hardman – a senior at Highland High – feels an emotion, he knows how to write it into music. 

With lyrics and his guitar, Hardman can connect to his audience in a way that many people can’t. He sees it as not only a talent, but an asset he is grateful for. 

Similar to his music, language is something that has given Hardman an edge – both in his professional and personal lives. 

“He began learning Spanish as a nervous five-year-old in an immersion school and he pushed through some frustrating times when he couldn’t understand his teacher or his homework,” Missy, Hardman’s mother, said. 

Hardman knows that his fluency in Spanish will be an important skill as he continues in higher education and his future career. But, to him, it’s also more than that. 

In the summer of 2022, Hardman traveled to Guatemala on a brief humanitarian mission. His unique interactions with the children stood out to him and left him with a positive experience. 

“I went on a humanitarian trip to Guatemala. I spoke Spanish the entire time and there were these three little Guatemalan kids, and they were adorable,” Hardman said. “Being able to translate for everyone else and talk to them and learn about their lives was really unique and I felt really close to them.” 

Missy, Hardman’s mother, spoke highly of his character and work ethic among his admirable language skills. 

“Quinn has taken challenging courses and managed his own time and learning in an admirable way,” Missy said. “At the same time, I think he realizes that academics is only part of the purpose of high school. He’s taken time to cultivate talents and friendships and, more importantly, he is a kind person.” 

When it comes to his work-life, Hardman has recognized his fluency in Spanish as a considerable advantage.  

“I’ve already used my Spanish skills at 3 different jobs, so it increases my skills as an employee,” Hardman said. 

Hardman shared a story of an encounter with a customer at his previous job which led him to change his perspective on the impact of his Spanish knowledge. 

“I was working at Uptown Cheapskate and a man came into trade in a pair of pants, but he only spoke Spanish, so I helped him set up an account,” Hardman said. “It was a super mundane experience, and nobody really thought much of it. But it was in this moment that I realized that I had an ability to help this guy.” 

The Spanish language has allowed Hardman to grow in ways he never had expected. As he prepares to serve a mission for the LDS church and later attend BYU, he knows that this skill is something he hopes to have his whole life. 

“For him, knowing a world language has meant understanding another culture, empathizing with English language learners, coming to see what connects us as humans, and finding meaningful ways to serve and learn with people from across boundaries that usually separate us,” Missy said.