Student Voices

Jessica Fisher, '13

Jessica Fisher loves languages.

"My goal is to become an ambassador at some time in my life," she says. "I will start out being a translator or an interpreter. ... I knew that if I knew Chinese, I would have a better chance of getting jobs because it is such a worldwide language."

She was told that having a business or economics major would help her achieve her dream of working as an ambassador. She appreciates that Carthage offers Target Language Experts (TLEs) and native speaking professors. "It makes learning the way that words should be pronounced easier; you know that they have the correct pronunciations," she says.

Even as a freshman, she has been able to plan a study abroad experience. "This summer I am going to Italy to work at an excavation" as a summer J-Term course, she says. "I am really excited."

Favorite professor: "This is my first year here at Carthage. This being the case I can't choose one of my favorite professors. I have felt that they are all there and willing to help with anything. Also being in love with languages, I love hearing accents. I only have one professor that does not have an accent, which makes my college experience all that much better."

Favorite class: "My favorite class has been Western Heritage I. I know that it is a lot of reading and writing papers but I have never done better on my papers. My professor also makes her love of the class obvious. That energy makes the class more enjoyable."

Toughest class: "My toughest class is Issues in Economics. I enjoyed Economics in high school but this class takes it to another level. It also makes it difficult for me because I don't understand the Socratic teaching method and that is how my professor teaches his classes."

Favorite spot on campus: "My favorite spot on campus, when it is warm, is to go down to the beach and just listen to the waves and talk to friends."

Biggest surprises so far: "How nice all of my professors have been and how easy it is to make friends. When you get here everyone is in the same boat as you so they are all going through the same things. Just open up a little and you will find some good friends."

— Elizabeth Reinhardt

Student Voices

Chinese

Jessica Fisher, '13

"I knew that if I knew Chinese, I would have a better chance of getting jobs because it is such a worldwide language."
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Vanessa Valentine, '13

"The biggest surprise to me is how much I have learned — not only academically, but also personally. I am a better person now than I was two years ago."
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John Gutt-Jankowski, '14

By studying both Chinese and Spanish, John said that when he graduates, he will have learned three of the most important languages in the world.
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Valerie Hathaway, '13

"The Chinese program is filled with professors who enjoy teaching their students the language."
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French

Jesse Daniel, '12

"I never realized how many doors are opened through studying abroad. Living in another culture, you become part of it, and are no longer a tourist."
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Emily Kolesar, '12

By studying both French and English, Emily has been able to mature as a writer.
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Diane Hahn, '14

"The Modern Language Department truly has made my learning experience an enjoyable one, and I can't image going to any other college because I'm afraid I'll be disappointed in this aspect."
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German

Anna Treudt, '13

"Both in German and archaeology the willingness to learn is what separates you from the others. That might sound uninteresting and a little daunting, but when you find something you like, you enjoy it."
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Karin Wirth, '13

Karin Wirth was raised with a rich German Heritage, which led to her love of the language. She is also a DAAD scholarship winner and a tutor for the Modern Languages department.
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David Rosenberg, '12

"The openness of the professors and their willingness to help struggling students" are among the Modern Language Department's biggest strengths.
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Ronald Harris, '12

Ronald is pursuing a minor in German, after studying the language since kindergarten.
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Japanese

Jennifer Weiss, '14

"Our businesses are becoming more global by the day, and Japan is one of the top countries America does business with. I want to be as prepared as possible when it comes to doing business with Japan."
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Spanish

Elizabeth Reinhardt, '12

"It's difficult to really learn a language if you don't actually use it. Studying abroad is the only way to really immerse yourself in it entirely."
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Andrea Winbigler, '13

"Carthage really became my second home and all the people here have become my second family."
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Samantha Jasinski, '13

"Traveling is my passion in life, and with this school I got the opportunity to not only travel once in college, but multiple times without falling behind in any of my classes."
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Read student voices from graduated students.