Hometown: Reidsville, NCGraduating Class: 2022
Current Profession: Social-Clinical Research Assistant. CIRCLE Lab, UNC-CH
What languages did you study at UNC and what were your most memorable moments from those global language courses?
I studied Spanish. I really enjoyed the capstone project in SPAN 329 which allowed me to tutor bilingual children in the community. I provided a lot of positive feedback to the child I was working with that I feel really allowed her to grow her confidence. It also helped me learn first-hand about the community I wanted to serve. These classes also allowed me to learn a lot of language vocabulary important for my field, the health professions. Finally, I appreciated the creative freedom I had in my Spanish electives to learn about different aspects of culture, particularly those that connected with my own interests (e.g., making arepas and then producing a cooking video about the process).
Did you study abroad or do an internship abroad and, if so, what about these experiences impacted your bachelor’s degree the most?
Unfortunately, Covid interrupted my plans to travel to the Galapagos as part of my Professions Minor.
How did the study of Spanish shape your overall academic training at Carolina?
I was looking for a balance in my education. I was on a pre-med track, but I wanted to explore other fields I was interested in, outside of STEM. Studying Spanish challenged me in new and exciting ways from my other courses and strengthened my appreciation of other cultures. This program at Carolina allowed me to match academic learning with the learning I gained experientially, such as speaking in Spanish in everyday life outside of the classroom.
How has language study at Carolina shaped your outlook and professional aspirations following graduation?
I am planning for medical school. Having a strong foundational knowledge of Spanish will give me a great jumping-off point to take more Spanish language classes while in school to help my future patients. The Spanish Minor for the Professions offered me a great set of very informative courses for the Health and Medicine track.
Is there anything else you’d like to add that you believe new students should know about your global language experience at Carolina?
Carolina has so many global languages you can learn. If you’re not sure that you want to pursue languages as a major, consider the languages that are less common too. The languages departments in general are such supportive communities. They will help you figure out how the study of a language can connect with your other interests, professional or personal.