Hometown: Morrisville, NCGraduating Class: 2025
Current Profession: Student Perusing a B.S. in Biochemistry and B.A. in German
What languages did you study at UNC and what were your most memorable moments from those global language courses?
Here at UNC, I started studying German in my first semester and have continued studying ever since. In that first year, I decided to add German as my second major, specifically with a concentration in German Literature and Culture. Although I am sure that there are many more memories to be made in my time left, I will always treasure the readings and discussions from the first German elective I took, learning about German queer history. It was an eye-opening class and challenged me as a freshman to think critically about a topic I had never heard of before arriving at UNC. The discourse in this and my other German courses fostered many close friendships and connections, several of whom I still talk to today.
Did you study abroad or do an internship abroad and, if so, what about these experiences impacted your bachelor’s degree the most?
This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to complete a research internship in Germany through DAAD-RISE, and it was an incredible experience. Next semester, I plan to return to Germany and study abroad at the University of Freiburg. From my first experience abroad, I deepened my curiosity about the German lifestyle and the regional nuances within the language. I lived in a small town called Landau in der Pfalz and although my internship was in English, conversations with my flatmates and all other aspects of my life were conducted in German. Being able to hold these conversations and meet new people during my travels demonstrated how valuable learning a foreign language is to me, and it fuels my continuing passion for improving my German and learning about the plethora of cultures across German-speaking Europe.
How did the study of these languages shape your overall academic training at Carolina?
Beyond being a highlight of my day, my German courses have enabled me to dive deeply into German literature and explore cultural nuances. Learning the language has introduced me to uniquely “German” sayings, customs, and foods. This exploration has sparked my curiosity about what defines a culture, leading me to draw comparisons between German culture, my own, and others. It has expanded my appreciation for different cultures and helped me shape my own identity through my experiences at UNC—an opportunity for which I’m deeply grateful.
How has language study at Carolina shaped your outlook and professional aspirations following graduation?
Although I still have over a year left before I graduate, my experience has pushed me to hopefully pursue graduate school abroad in Germany and work experience there. I would love to apply for the Fullbright program in Germany or Austria or DAAD RISE Professional to continue developing my knowledge of the German language and experience amidst a German work environment. This experience has prepared me well for many opportunities abroad, and I cannot wait for what the future holds.
Is there anything else you’d like to add that you believe new students should know about your global language experience at Carolina?
The one thing I would share with other students is that some of my closest friends have been from my German courses, and I think this is largely credited to their smaller class sizes. I have been in courses with over 250 students in a lecture hall, so it can be very difficult and feel very overwhelming to make friends and form a study group. But since my first semester at UNC, the Germanic and Slavic Department has felt like a second home and has always been there for me through my ups and downs. If you have the opportunity to study a foreign language and are unsure about it, go for it! It unlocks a vault of valuable opportunities and memories.