Practicar

I'm getting more acquainted to the language. My listening skills has increased significantly well over the last year. From having absolutely no clue with what everyone is saying to knowing what people are basically saying.
The difficulties could have been avoided if I actually immersed myself in the speaking side of things. Like I tell my english student:"You cannot improve if you don't practice, and you can't just practice in class."
I'm lucky to have friends from the country who encourage me to practice and speak. Many times have I been in situations where everyone was speaking in Spanish but would switch to English for my sake and understanding. Not only does it make me feel relieved but ashamed at the same time. I mean, it's been a god damn year! I should be able to get this by now! Their doing their utmost best to speak English for me, I should at the least try my hardest to speak in Spanish for them.
I admit, I have neglected my own lessons to teach myself the language and abandoned my classes (due to financial reasons). This must be a reminder, if I cannot take lessons, I shouldn't give up practicing through speaking and I must find time to learn online.