What is your major?
Linguistics and Cultural Studies
What is something you wish everyone knew about your major?
Something I wish everyone knew about my major is what exactly we study — a lot of people assume it's similar to majoring in a specific language like Spanish, but that's not it at all. We do have to speak a foreign language in order to graduate, but our courses focus on how language functions in a wider scope. Another thing I wish people knew is that language and culture are inherently tied, so you can't study language without also studying culture.
What was your most impactful class?
My most impactful class was actually the first linguistics class I took, Foundations of Language Study. I wasn't originally majoring in linguistics, but in English. In Foundations, we went through different areas of study in linguistics and how language can be broken down and understood. My most memorable experience was having one class where we had to simulate starting a civilization, but none of us could use English. I loved that class; it's what made me change my major, and I'm so glad I did.
What are some of your career goals?
In terms of career goals, I want to eventually go into linguistic study. Throughout my time in the linguistics and cultural studies program, I've had the chance to do some studies on topics I've chosen and write-up reports discussing the findings. I would love to do that as a career. For now, though, I'm looking at working in Spanish-English translation as I have always been fascinated with translation as a concept and often attempt to translate songs in my free time.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
My advice for incoming students is to do what you need to in order to take care of yourself and your health, mental and physical. Dropping a class, taking a quarter off, graduating late, working with Disability Support Services, and/or communicating with your professors when you're having a hard time are all perfectly okay things to do and I would encourage you to do any or all you need. College is extremely stressful, but I've found that most professors want to help you if they can, especially if you're struggling. Don't be afraid to reach out and be honest about what's going on.