Student Voices

Elizabeth Reinhardt, '12

Elizabeth Reinhardt came to Carthage as a public relations major with a double minor in Spanish and English. After her freshman Spanish 202 class, however, she decided to switch to a double major in Spanish and public relations.

"I always loved Spanish in high school and knew I would continue it in college in one way or another," Elizabeth said. "I had originally been skeptical about whether I had the abilities it would require to be a Spanish major, but during the last few weeks of my Spanish 202 class with Professor Montanaro, he told me that he believed I could successfully complete both majors in four years. That's what really helped me decide to change from a minor to a major."

Elizabeth was drawn to Carthage's Spanish program because of its emphasis on learning the language, not just the grammar. She also loved the fact that majors are required to study abroad.

"It's difficult to really learn a language if you don't actually use it," she said. "Studying abroad is the only way to really immerse yourself in it entirely. I am really looking forward to doing my semester abroad next year — my junior year — in Costa Rica."

Elizabeth said she also likes the small class sizes and the relationships students are able to build with professors on such a small campus.

"Here at Carthage, students are offered some amazing opportunities through J-Term and various other classes that are just hard to come by at other schools," she said. "Combined with the small class sizes, it's an amazing learning environment."

Favorite professor: "Well, I haven't had many Spanish professors, mainly because I continually sign up for Ed Montanaro's classes. So it would be safe to say that he is my favorite. Within my public relations major, I'd have to say Dr. Lynn Brownson."

Favorite class: "I really loved my J-Term class from freshman year. It was Spanish 305, Intensive Spanish Study. It was the on-campus intensive Spanish course. I had Professor Lynn Loewen and it was so much fun. There were two sections of the class and we did a lot of the work together. We got to go on trips for it, for example, going to the Milwaukee Art Museum and La Hacienda restaurant here in Kenosha."

Toughest class: "Well, I'm only a sophomore and I have pretty much been avoiding the classes I'll struggle with the most (i.e. math and science, but so far my toughest class has probably been Spanish 301, mainly because we have to get ready for our proficiency exams and because of the homework load."

How do your two majors complement each other? "In public relations, it is important to have an appreciation for cultures outside your own, and learning another language is a good way to experience another culture. Also, a lot of public relations firms (and employers in general) look for bilingualism in their prospective employees."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "The first week of freshman year, during the freshman orientation time, was a lot of fun for me. I met a lot of cool people whom I'm still friends with and we went to the beach a lot and tanned. It was just a lot of fun because it was the start of something new and different."

Favorite spot on campus: "I love Einstein's, but I live in the Oaks, so relaxing in my dorm isn't too bad either. Also, I love the little viewing station near Kissing Rock with the telescope, and the beach in general."

Biggest surprise so far: "That I pledged a sorority. It's something my parents never expected from me. I always talked about doing it, but I never thought I actually would. Now, I'm so glad I did."

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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Read student voices from graduated students.