Student Voices

John Gutt-Jankowski, '14

Meet John

"This [the size of the department] creates a strong emotional bond, which makes it more than memorizing a word, but going through the mind to find a memory of when you first heard the word."

Hometown: Chicago, Ill.

Major: Chinese

Minor: Spanish

Career Goal: "To be a writer or translator; I'm still unsure at the moment."

John Gutt-Jankowski, '14, started his study of Chinese long before he came to Carthage, but he knew that the size of the program here would make it easy to continue his education in a language that is considered difficult to master.

"Chinese is unique and I like being unique," John said. "The size [of the Modern Languages Department] creates a familiarity among the students and staff. This creates a strong emotional bond, which makes it more than memorizing a word but going through the mind to find a memory of when you first heard the word."

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. Although he does not think the languages necessarily complement each other, he believes that it gives him the ability to think with both a western and eastern mind.

"Chinese and Spanish are clearly important in business and the world market," he said. "With most people on the planet speaking Chinese — nearly 1.35 billion and then some — and a large portion of Spanish speakers, I'm tackling the top three languages in the world."

He has yet to study abroad for his Chinese major, but he spent a month in Summer 2011 studying in Costa Rica through a program suggested to him by Prof. Edward Montanaro.

While in Costa Rica, John stayed with a host family in the country's capital, San Jose, and got to travel to different parts of the country. He said that the most important thing that he learned was how to get used to living in another country and becoming accustomed to different accents.

Through Carthage, he had the opportunity to teach Chinese at a local elementary school in Kenosha. Also, as a sophomore, John was the Chinese Club president.

"This past year I have had the opportunity to actually teach Chinese to a group of second graders at Roosevelt Elementary in Kenosha," John said. "It really is so sweet to teach to younger kids; they get really excited whenever I would come in to start their lessons."

Favorite professor: "Mimi Yang has been an influential guide in my college career and I deeply appreciate all that she has done. She's helped me in both Chinese and Spanish. She has insight that broadens my own thinking to the point where I can come up with different ideas I would have never thought of before."

Favorite class: "Every Chinese class has been interesting. Another class would have to be the Heritage classes."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "Just relaxing in the library study rooms alone. When at home and even at school, I never seem to get enough alone time, so I appreciate the down time to study or just relax."

Favorite spot on campus: "Einstein's by the window on a sunny day."

Advice for other students considering your major: "Chinese is not as intimidating as it seems. People learn at a slow pace and to do well, you just need to take time to practice tones. If you want, get together and practice with a classmate. Also, flash cards will help significantly."

— Elizabeth Reinhardt, '12

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.