"Talk with your academic advisors, faculty, and friends - get involved in opportunities, apply for internships, explore options to use your language skills more."
Major(s) and Certificate(s): Spanish Literature and International Studies
Language(s): Spanish and French
Graduation Year: 2005
What motivated you to study these languages?
I studied Spanish in grade school and high school, and wanted to become bilingual in it. I knew I wanted to study abroad, and be able to truly use my Spanish to communicate with people. I added French because I wanted to study another language, and Arabic and Chinese were intimidating at the time, and the French classes fit well with my schedule.
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
My language classes were small in size, the professors knew my name, and I knew my classmates. Professors were awesome, and building a foundation in a language was very tangible way of learning and growing.
How valuable were your out-of-classroom experiences? How did they add to your undergraduate experience/coursework?
Spending a year in Madrid, Spain was life changing in so many ways. Being able to use the language in my everyday life provided me language skills, and also life skills – being in a less comfortable setting helped me become a more empathetic and kind person.
Living in the International Learning Community allowed me to practice my language skills and make friends from all over the country and world.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
Graduate school at University of Connecticut in Higher Ed and Student Affairs. Worked at Bard College in NY for 10 years. Work at UW-Madison now. In my higher education career, I’ve used Spanish to speak with families, students, and audit more Spanish classes.
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
I love being able to connect with humans in Spanish and make them feel welcomed and included.
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
I continue to use Spanish in many ways. Personally, my email and phone are in Spanish, and I’ll watch Spanish language television. I stay in touch with friends who speak Spanish as well. At work, I’ll help translate documents and speak with visitors in Spanish.
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
Do your best to use the language. Find ways to connect. It’s totally normal to be nervous about your language skills as you are learning, so try to remember that others feel the same way, and many are so excited that you want to learn, and will be patient and kind with you! Learning is a process and takes time. If you are able, spend time abroad. Talk with your academic advisors, faculty, and friends – get involved in opportunities, apply for internships, explore options to use your language skills more. There are plenty of ways to do this within Madison as well, through a language table or volunteer opportunity.