"I never thought my writing skills would improve enough to write 10-page essays about the history of Le Jardin des Plantes or the creative interpretation of the rise of Fascism in Ionesco's 'Le Rhinocéros' in English, let alone French!"
Major(s) and Certificate(s): Journalism, Mass Communication; Certificate in French
Language(s): French
Graduation Year: 2018
What motivated you to study this/these languages?
I began taking French classes in seventh grade, and continued every year throughout high school. When I matriculated to UW-Madison, I knew the six years I had spent thus far, including a French exchange program I participated in during high school, were only the tip of the iceberg. I feel French (and Spanish) are unique as there are so many different Francophone nations and regions across the entire globe, which means there are plentiful rich cultures and dialects we can learn about in addition to the language itself.
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
I never had a French class that was more than about 25 students, which was a grateful change of pace from my other general education classes with hundreds packed into lecture halls. That also means I was able to understand not only the material better, but also develop richer relationships with my professors and classmates.
How valuable were your out-of-classroom experiences? How did they add to your undergraduate experience/coursework?
As a journalism major also pursuing a French certificate, many people didn’t understand either of my choices, let alone how they could relate. In addition to the proven cognitive benefits (more active neurons, increased memory ability, etc.) that improved my learning experience, some of the language coursework was perfectly aligned with my major. In a seminar class with Professor Gilles Bousquet, we spent the semester discovering Francophone news outlets. We read daily news articles in French, compared the coverage and potential political bias of each outlet, dialect differences based on the outlet’s country, and much more. I still cannot believe my luck. It made me not only a more astute journalist, but better “citizen of the world” as I grew my knowledge of news around the world. Additionally, classes like French History and Culture with Professor Florence Vatan and French Literature with Professor Richard Goodkin supported my reading comprehension skills in both French and English. I never thought my writing skills would improve enough to write 10-page essays about the history of Le Jardin des Plantes or the creative interpretation of the rise of Fascism in Ionesco’s “Le Rhinocéros” in English, let alone French! I had long believed I was a mediocre French student who didn’t belong in college-level courses, however, my professors’ support each semester encouraged me to trust in my skills and grow beyond the box I had placed myself in, for which I’m eternally grateful.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
-Private French tutor
-Communications for the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
-School-Based Communications Specialist for the Madison Metropolitan School District
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
Immediately after college I tutored an elementary-aged student in French; it wasn’t a job I was expecting, but helped me apply the intro language skills I had first learned so many years earlier into a more fun, approachable method. At the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, I had not only a very accurate pronunciation of French cheeses, but also worked directly with French cheesemakers and judges, and assisted with any translation needs during their visits. Currently as a communications specialist in the Madison school district, I’ve found my knowledge of French assists me in my understanding of Spanish. While I don’t speak much Spanish, having a background in another romance language greatly boosts my basic comprehension, which is a huge advantage when double checking a Spanish translation or working with a dual-language immersion classroom. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with the high school French teachers!
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
I’ve continued to read books and listen to podcasts in French, attended a local French-speaking group at the public library, and speak French with my sister. Additionally, my niece is attending a French immersion school in Minnesota, and I’m able to support her with her development.
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
Ignore any comments that it’s “not useful.” Learning anything is never a waste, and the opportunities UW-Madison’s language courses provide will support your education in ways you cannot even imagine. A language is like a key that can unlock a pathway full of culture, friendships, adventure and more.