Outstanding Seniors

What was a fun or unique experience you had at the U related to your language program? 

I enjoyed visiting professors' office hours and talking about grammar and as well as other topics. I certainly owe a lot to Dr. Grünbaum, with whom I have been in many office hours and to whom I was able to ask hundreds if not thousands of grammar qeustions.To be honest, all of the German faculty: Dr. Baumgartner, Dr. Metz, Dr. Gerstenberger and Dr. Grünbaum should be recognized for their passion and how they accomodate to students learning needs and are there for them in the event that they need some/extra or any help. I am grateful for all of the German faculty and how much they have helped me thoughout my time here, not only in terms of German language, but also their advice.

What are your post-graduation plans? Short-term and/or long-term?

Live in Germany and continue to speak and study German everyday.

What words of inspiration or advice do you have for students still at the U studying in your language program?

Remember that you are good enough. You will still be understood if you make mistakes. We all make mistakes, and it is only through making them that we are able to exceed above them. Keep your passion for the language; you don't know what could happen as a result of it.

What was a fun or unique experience you had at the U related to your language program? 

The Language Intensive program in Oviedo, Spain was transformative. I would love to return soon and see all the friends that I made over there in that magical pocket of the world that will always feel like home.

What are your post-graduation plans? Short-term and/or long-term?

This summer, I plan to travel through Europe and Asia. When I return, I plan to move out of state to work in the law and study for the LSAT.

What words of inspiration or advice do you have for students still at the U studying in your language program?

Language isn't just an academic subject, it's a tool for genuine human connection. Use the program at this University to find the intricate beauty of your language(s), and seek out opportunities to use the language to help and connect with others.

What was a fun or unique experience you had at the U related to your language program? 

One of my favorite experiences so far was authentic French cheese tasting in Anne Lair's symbolism of French food class! It was super fun to get hands-on experience seeing and tasting French cheeses while also learning about their origins and characteristics. The baguettes served alongside the cheeses also helped make the experience super Frenchy.

I'm also currently interning with the Utah Museum of Natural History helping translate some tour materials into French. With this project, it's been fun to integrate French with the community, knowing that what I'm working on will be useful to someone in the future.

What are your post-graduation plans? Short-term and/or long-term?

After graduating, I hope to explore the many career paths that my French degree will offer me! I am really interested in English/French translation and interpretation and would love to include that in my career. My wife and I hope to spend some time living in (or at least visiting) France or other areas of the French-speaking world. We then plan on starting a family together after we are both graduated and want to continue to stay in the Salt Lake area for the time being. Connecting and engaging with the French-speaking immigrant communities here in Utah also interests me.

What words of inspiration or advice do you have for students still at the U studying in your language program?

Learning French is definitely intimidating and overwhelming at times. There are so many different grammar rules, sentence structures, verb conjugations, and new vocabulary to memorize. Literally thousands of things to learn and try to keep in mind! But to me, in a way, that is also the beauty of French and language learning in general - you'll never stop learning new things. When you take the time to really engage yourself often with the wide world of French, both in school and outside of school, you’ll pick up on new words, new expressions, and new connections that can increase your desire to keep learning more! Just the fact that there is always something I can gradually improve on and get better at with French makes me excited to keep going with it! It really does offer you a lifetime of learning, practice, and constant improvement, something that you can keep with you wherever you go.

What was a fun or unique experience you had at the U related to your language program? 

I was awarded an FLAS Scholarship which due to COVID I used for a virtual study abroad through Harvard Summer School. It was an amazing experience and I learned so much!

What are your post-graduation plans? Short-term and/or long-term?

I plan to enter the workforce in Engineering, but hope to use Chinese in my career.

What words of inspiration or advice do you have for students still at the U studying in your language program?

Some of my most fun classes and professors have been in this program, but you get out of it what you put in, so if you are hoping to learn a lot, you have to put in some effort.

What was a fun or unique experience you had at the U related to your language program? 

It isn't easy to capture all of the special experiences I feel I've had, but every class I participated in felt like finding a new window to look out from, seeing a fresh breathtaking view each time. I've felt so much joy studying Japanese. Learning the intricacies of the language and culture has been a satisfying struggle. I feel immense gratitude to have been guided by such wise and kind professors while discovering greater depths of language and literature, and likewise my passion for them.

What are your post-graduation plans? Short-term and/or long-term?

The future often feels like a wide horizon; Where are we now in the scheme of things? Where are we headed? I trust in knowing that metaphorical islands await, regardless of direction. I plan to further my education in Design and Japanese studies and someday work in Japan. I can't wait to return to Japan, now with eyes to see even more than I did before.

What words of inspiration or advice do you have for students still at the U studying in your language program?

There is always more to learn, but encourage yourself to have that be a point of excitement rather than discouragement. Exercising curiosity has led to some of my most rewarding and inspiring learning experiences. Give yourself the best opportunity to blossom; Take advantage of tutoring, CLAC courses, clubs, and special events. Share what you know with humility and confidently absorb all you can! 応援していますよ！

What was a fun or unique experience you had at the U related to your language program?

One fun experience I had was being able to research Slavic Folk dances and create a dance of my own which was presented on stage during the Ballet Student Showcase.

What are your post-graduation plans? Short-term and/or long-term?

I will be joining a professional ballet company.

What words of inspiration or advice do you have for students still at the U studying in your language program?

Use your language skills to learn more about subjects you are interested in. This will not only broaden your knowledge of the subject but also aid in learning the language faster.

What was a fun or unique experience you had at the U related to your language program? 

My undergraduate experience would be nothing without all of the faculty at the Russian department. They are phenomenal, and I am so appreciative and grateful for the work and enthusiasm they put forward in their courses. I doubt I would have been able to progress as far as I have without their tutelage.

What are your post-graduation plans? Short-term and/or long-term?

I plan to pursue a career working in government service as the best place for me to employ my expertise, at least until such time as other opportunities arise!

What words of inspiration or advice do you have for students still at the U studying in your language program?

You have the best people in your corner working every day to support you. Utilize them as best you can, they are an incredible resource.