Student Voices

David Rosenberg, '12

Meet David 

"German Conversation feels so much more rewarding with a native speaker teaching it."

Hometown: Kenosha, Wis.

Major: German

Minor: Theatre

David Rosenberg has plans to become a pilot for the United States Air Force. His career goals and a rich family heritage led him to major in German. He chose to attend Carthage because of its scholarship opportunities and the reputation of its faculty.

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

He also likes the opportunity to learn German from native German speakers, through Carthage's Target Language Expert program. "German 303, German Conversation, feels so much more rewarding with a native speaker teaching it," he says.

While a student at Carthage, David has taken fascinating courses both on campus and abroad. During J-Term 2009, he stayed on campus to take a course titled Pirates: Fact and Fiction. In August 2009, he spent three weeks in Kazan, Russia. It was an opportunity to "be immersed in a completely new culture," he says. "I learned that despite its distance, there are many similarities between Russia and the United States."

Favorite professor: "Professor Baer. He’s easy to relate to and keeps class fun."

Favorite class: "German 308. We discuss social, economic and political issues in Germany. It's very interesting."

Toughest course: "German 202. I hadn't taken German for a year beforehand and it took a bit to get caught up."

Favorite moments at Carthage: “My favorite moments have been the theatre productions Carthage puts on every year.”

Biggest surprises so far: "How much fun can be had on a such a small campus."

Favorite spot on campus: "The picnic tables in Denhart Courtyard overlooking Lake Michigan. It's a great view."

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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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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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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Read student voices from graduated students.