Graduating Class: 2023
Current Profession: Legal Assistant at a Campaign and Election Law Firm in D.C.
What languages did you study at UNC and what were your most memorable moments from those global language courses?
I completed a major in Portuguese and a minor in Spanish for the Legal Professions. My favorite memory in my Portuguese studies was the process of writing and defending my thesis focused on the relationship between censorship and countercultural music in late 1960s authoritarian Brazil. Writing my thesis was a challenging yet profoundly gratifying experience which allowed me to indulge my academic curiosities and contribute to a fascinating body of research. It also allowed me to work closely with faculty and interview experts across various research fields. In my Spanish studies, the most memorable moments were from reading and learning about Hispanic fiction. Specifically, I most enjoyed reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Pablo Neruda, and Jorge Luis Borges. Reading their works was exhilarating and their storytelling provided insight into the psyche of their respective national cultures and experiences.
Did you study abroad or do an internship abroad and, if so, what about these experiences impacted your bachelor’s degree the most?
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to study abroad or internship abroad because of COVID.
How did the study of Portuguese and Spanish shape your overall academic training at Carolina?
Beyond the inherent value of being able to communicate in a foreign language, studying Portuguese and Spanish provided me with a different point of view that enriched my learning experiences across different subjects. I also majored in political science, and I think I was able to understand political theory and events in a more nuanced way because of my knowledge of Latin American culture and history. Studying foreign languages also broadened my worldview and enabled me to abstract from a purely US-centric viewpoint. This perspective has enabled me to better appreciate the value of cultural and linguistic diversity.
How has language study at Carolina shaped your outlook and professional aspirations following graduation?
Language study has been essential in my professional development and post-grad plans. I plan to go to law school next fall and work as an immigration or international lawyer. Being able to communicate in foreign languages will help me be more competitive in this job market and allow me to work with more diverse groups of people.
Is there anything else you’d like to add that you believe new students should know about your global language experience at Carolina?
I strongly encourage anyone interested in delving into the study of global languages to embrace it with a sense of curiosity, an open mind, and patience. Regardless of how impractical it may initially appear or “odd” of its pairing with your current academic pursuits, learning a foreign language brings personal, academic, and professional benefits, regardless of your career aspirations or current academic focus. My own experience with language study has illuminated the value of thinking and learning in a more innovative manner. In my experience, the study of foreign languages enriches communication skills, even in English, while fostering a deeper sense of connection and empathy with others. Engaging in the process of language learning opens doors to a myriad of opportunities for connecting with people whom you might not have otherwise had the chance to.