Student Voices

Vanessa Valentine, '13

Meet Vanessa

"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."

Hometown: Palatine, Ill.

Majors: Chinese and History

Career Goal: "I would like to work in translations for companies that are involved with business in China. When I have achieved considerable success in that field, I would like to go to graduate school and pursue an academic career."

After changing her major halfway through freshman year, Vanessa Valentine made the move to a double major in history and Chinese. She has always had a passion for history, and has grown to love the deep cultural history and prospects that are presented to students that study Chinese.

"The majors easily complement each other," Vanessa said. "I have heard that there are many opportunities — funded opportunities — for people who double-major in history and Chinese."

She decided Carthage was the school for her after a lot of researching, and some advice from her uncle, who is a Carthage alumnus. Since coming here, Vanessa has taken advantage of the opportunities that the College offers. She is currently the treasurer of the Chinese Club and has traveled to China through a J-Term trip.

"It was a trip in which we traveled from east to west along the Silk Road," Vanessa explained. "It was a trip that changed my life forever. It has driven me to continue considering studying abroad. My favorite part was the city of Donhuang. The weather was beautiful and it looks like Nevada. It has a small-town feel to it."

Vanessa also appreciates Carthage's class selection within the History Department, which includes courses such as Historiography and Historical Methods and the College’s TLE — Target Language Experts — program.

"The TLE program is a very effective program," she said. "In the beginning it is always difficult because there are cultural differences between the United States and China, but over the course of the semester, both the students and teachers learn a lot in terms of language and culture."

Favorite professor: "My favorite professor is Professor Leazer because his teaching style is balanced; he respects students while challenging them with new materials and expectations."

Toughest class: "The toughest class I have had was Elementary Statistics. I think part of the reason is because one month is a long time to learn such a detailed subject."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "My favorite moment was being at the basketball championship. Other favorite moments are International Day and the annual IFS dinner. I must also mention that I have liked the majority of the plays put on at Carthage."

Favorite spot on campus: "My favorite spot on campus is Starbucks, which is clean, productive, and can be fun if you are with the right people."

Advice for other students considering history as a major: "I advise those who go into history to make sure they love it with all their heart. I would say passion is the key motivator when one is in the basement of the library for hours doing research. I advise those who wish to learn Chinese that you take any opportunities to visit the country, because it will add not only to your resume but also to your personal experiences."

— 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."
Read more ...

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.