"There are many programs, such as the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) and FLAS fellowships, that provide funding for students to study languages and have experiences that can help students have clearer career goals. Apply for these programs and take advantage of these opportunities!"
Major(s) and Certificate(s): German, Chinese, East Asian Studies; Certificates in Medieval Studies, Leadership
Language(s): German, Chinese, Spanish
Graduation Year: 2016
What motivated you to study this/these languages?
My family has German heritage, so that is why I decided to study German. I started taking Spanish because it is a widely spoken language around the world. I was inspired to study Chinese after I first traveled there in 2011, as it was difficult to communicate with people there with no knowledge of Chinese.
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
We had excellent instructors. They created an immersive language-learning environment that was both challenging and fun. In addition to lectures, we got to have debates and discussions as well as do activities to promote language learning, like play games and watch relevant films.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
I have worked in both the U.S. and China. I have been a Director of College Counseling, Chief of Staff, and entrepreneur.
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
I have worked with many Chinese students and their families, so being able to speak Chinese and have a good understanding of Chinese culture has been very beneficial to my career.
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
Right after graduation, I received a Critical Language Scholarship to study Chinese in Suzhou, China for the summer. I then attended Stanford for graduate school, where I continued to study Chinese. I then worked in China for a while, which greatly enhanced my Chinese skills.
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
There are many programs, such as the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) and FLAS fellowships, that provide funding for students to study languages and have experiences that can help students have clearer career goals. Apply for these programs and take advantage of these opportunities!