In June of last year, the John Dos Passos Society convened in Lisbon. I knew almost nothing about Portuguese history and language. I knew I had a great opportunity, however, at my doorstep. I chose to keep that momentum going and enrich my life through cultural and linguistic education. I’m now in my 3rd semester of basic Portuguese. In the summer, I can begin intermediate. The experience has brought me closer to my immediate family, as well as enhancing my ability to curate the John Dos Passos literary legacy.