Hometown: Oxford, NCGraduating Class: 2022
Current Profession: MA student and teacher
What languages did you study at UNC and what were your most memorable moments from those global language courses?
Latin and Italian. A memorable moment was working on a group project in one of my classes.
Did you study abroad or do an internship abroad and, if so, what about these experiences impacted your bachelor’s degree the most?
I did a virtual study-abroad program with Middlebury during Covid followed by a semester-long study-abroad program in Florence. The experience in Florence helped shape my idea first hand of what Italian culture is really like
How did the study of Italian shape your overall academic training at Carolina?
In the Romance Studies Department, there was a focus on collaborative learning and intercultural studies, which helped me with my minors in education and music as well.
How has language study at Carolina shaped your outlook and professional aspirations following graduation?
Studying languages at Carolina helped make me more open-minded and gave me an appreciation for other cultures. As someone who lives and works abroad now, those aspects are crucial to being successful. At this point in time, I am enrolled in a master’s degree program in Italian Studies, where I’m studying at the University of Florence working with students and professors from many different countries. After completing this program, I hope to continue teaching full time and to pursue a doctorate in Italian.
Is there anything else you’d like to add that you believe new students should know about your global language experience at Carolina?
Keep an open mind at the beginning. Sometimes it seems difficult, but if you stick with it and find something within the language or culture that interests you, you can use it as a springboard to learn more about the culture and language that you are studying.