2022 Modern Languages Graduates

  Coming into college I didn’t expect to major in Hispanic Studies. I knew I wanted to study American history, but I was unaware of Latin American histories, much less the thought-provoking discussions that can arise from them. My experience in the Hispanic Studies program has challenged me to be a curious global citizen and to use my language skills to find connections with people and ideas that, upon first glance, seem totally different than my own. I am especially grateful for Professor Río, my major advisor, Professor Root, and Professor Rivera Santana for their guidance and for fostering a collaborative and welcoming environment to learn and grow. The skills and friendships I have strengthened during my time with the program inspire me to serve and empower underserved communities in Northern Virginia and D.C. After interning with a nonprofit organization called Edu-Futuro last spring, I am most interested in working with and for underserved Hispanic communities in Fairfax or Loudoun through youth mentorship and education. I am currently applying for professional careers with these kinds of missions, and I am confident that the experiences I’ll take with me will enrich my work. Thank you for a rewarding four years here; I’m looking forward to visiting in the near future!

  When I came to William & Mary in 2018, I anticipated going into a Business or Economics track — but when I arrived, I found myself enamoured with History, Language, and Jewish Studies classes at the College. Under the tutelage of Professor Regina Root, my major advisor, I was introduced to the literary and artistic traditions of the Southern Cone. I am additionally grateful for the opportunity that I had to work with Professor Root and the Muscarelle across my four years to honour the legacy of Roser Bru, a renowned Chilean-Catalan artist. Under her supervision, I was also able to combine my love of history with the Hispanic Studies discipline through a comprehensive research project about Jewish culture(s) in Argentina. I am additionally grateful to Professor Carla Buck for exposing me to more esoteric cultural artefacts from Spain — La Plaza del Diamante by Mercè Rodoreda is one of my favourite books to this day. Of course, my time in Modern Languages is not isolated to Hispanic Studies: I am thankful to Professors Angela and Michael Leruth, Professor Giulia Pacini, and Professor Deborah Lee-Ferrand for encouraging me to improve my written and spoken French these past four years. These experiences have instilled in me a sentiment of global citizenship and curiosity; now that I have overcome my fear of speaking other languages, the next chapter of my life begins when I move to Istanbul, Turkey in a few short weeks. Hopefully, when I come back to visit the States, I’ll be able to say that I also speak Turkish!

  My experience in Hispanic Studies has been incredible and formative. From my time abroad in Sevilla to incredible classes like Professor Terukina’s “Hot, Wet? Cold, Dry?”, the department has shaped my William & Mary experience by allowing me to explore cultures and languages, challenging me to think critically, and inspiring me to, as Gandhi said, be the change I want to see in the world. I look forward to continuing my Hispanic Studies experience this coming year while teaching English in Spain

My name is Alice Benjamin, and I double majored in French and Linguistics at William & Mary. Throughout my four years here, the French and Francophone Studies program has meant a lot to me and helped me grow, both as a student and as a person. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to major in French at the end of my freshman year, but my Summer trip abroad to Montpellier with Professor Compan sold me! I made some of my best memories from college on that trip, and it was really special to me to continue to spend time with the friends I found abroad once we all got back to William & Mary. I have had so many amazing professors in the French program taught me how many diverse and interesting aspects of the francophone world there are to study, and for that I will always be thankful. I know I will take the skills and knowledge that I learned here with me wherever I go. I hope that future students find the joy that I found in my French classrooms and don’t give up on French even when it gets hard! It will all be worth it in the end. Bonne chance à tous!

  To the class 2020-22’ and all that we have shared! May the future bring something new. “[H]uman beings are not born once and for all on the day their mothers give birth to them, but over and over through acknowledgement of their experiences.” - Love in the time of Cholera

  I have spent almost the entirety of my college career in the Russian department and it is one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I am so grateful to the amazing people I have met throughout my time here, including my phenomenal professors and beloved friends. The Russian department is incredible both in and out of the classroom. The Russian teas, movie nights, and guest lectures have been just as important to my education as my time in class. The opportunities given to me by the Russian department are priceless and I am excited to take my education wherever life after graduation takes me.

  Throughout her time in the Hispanic Studies program, Samantha loved being surrounded by passionate, and caring individuals. Many of the classes she took through the department has had lasting impacts on her outlook on life and her interests for the future. Specifically, working on her research in Cádiz as well as Guatemala surrounding collective memory in the face of systematic oppression were once in a lifetime experiences that Samantha cannot be more thankful for. Following graduation, she is looking to further serve marginalized communities either at the border or in Puerto Rico. Finally, Samantha cannot thank the Hispanic Studies faculty enough for the time they had together. 

During my time at William & Mary, I discovered a love for China and its many facets. I always loved the language, but the diverse history and culture classes I took taught me to appreciate everything else. After my second year, I applied for the Tsinghua University summer study-abroad program, and those 3 months were the highlight of my academic career. There is something so profound and meaningful about learning a culture first-hand in the land of the people, and my experiences at Beijing will be remembered forever. I honed my practical language skills, made connections with the local teachers and students, and even had time to tour on the weekends. Overall, the William & Mary provided me with the resources to discover what’s underneath the surface of China, and I am truly grateful.

  After graduation, I aspire to combine my expertise in Chinese Studies with my passion for Chemistry to work for international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, becoming a bridge between American and Chinese medicine.

  Thanks for all the memories W&M, and a special thank you to all the professors that helped me reach my goals and genuinely cared for my success.

  As I prepare for graduation, I am extremely grateful for the role that William & Mary’s fantastic language programs have played in my time at this school. W&M’s world-renowned language professors and emphasis on international experiences heavily influenced my decision to enroll here, and I sought to take advantage of these opportunities to the fullest. As a double major in International Relations and Russian & Post-Soviet Studies, I naturally became very familiar with our Russian program, and the professors and students who make it up made invaluable contributions to my overall college experience. While I did not major in Chinese, I am very glad that I had the opportunity to additionally experience our Chinese program through the 300-level, and I can confirm that our professors in both languages are incredibly passionate and devoted to their students. If I had to choose a favorite language class, I would select RUSN 410, Professor Alexander Prokhorov’s Russian literature seminar, which serves as an ideal example of the unique opportunities which our MLL program offers to its students- how many undergrads get to translate Old Church Slavonic? Likewise, I will forever vividly remember my participation in our 2019 summer study abroad program in St. Petersburg, Russia, led by Professor Frederick Corney. After graduation, I will commission as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Army, serving as a Military Intelligence officer detailed to Infantry.

My name is Izadora Lenna and I am a Hispanic Studies major. I grew up in Massachusetts, and when I decided to come to William & Mary, I was a little nervous about being so far away from home. However, I quickly found my place within the MLL department. All my professors have been so supportive and kind. My Spanish skills significantly improved as well as my conversationalist skills. Professor Riofrio, Professor Buck, and Professor Root have pushed me to worked harder and persevere. They also taught that it’s okay to take a step back when needed. A few months ago, during my first semester senior year Professor Rio joined our small seminar class for dinner. This dinner was a highlight of my senior year, we were able to talk to our classmates and to our Professor as adults with similar interests, I truly felt a part of something bigger that day. Thank you, Hispanic Studies program, for the best four years!

With love, Izadora Lenna.

  I am graduating with a double major in French & Francophone Studies and American Studies. Through the French Studies program, I have pursued my love for French, met some of my closest friends, and found the greatest support from my professors. The summer after my Freshman year, I participated in the Montpellier Summer Program with Professor Magali Compan. This was one of the greatest highlights of my college career; I experienced the beautiful culture in the south of France, made lifelong friends in Grayson Timoner and Fatima Jerez, and learned so much from my now Advisor, Magali Compan. Professor Compan has been a constant support throughout my college career, and I am grateful to have her as my advisor and friend. I enjoyed my study abroad experience so much that I decided to return to France in the spring of 2021. I interned for Le Musée en Herbe and Ça Se-Visite in Paris. I worked with school groups, community centers, and local artists. These two internships taught me a tremendous amount about the different communities in Paris and allowed me to connect with them on an individual level.

  I am grateful to the French Studies program for providing me with all the tools I need as I move into this next chapter. After graduation, I will begin working as a Consultant for Unison Global in June. would like to thank all the Professors I have had over the years for everything that they have done and continue to do for students. I will always have so much love for this program.

  I had studied French for my entire academic life but wasn’t sure I would continue to pursue it once I got to William & Mary. My class with Madame Leruth quickly changed my mind. I improved my grammar and felt encouraged to practice speaking despite making mistakes. After building confidence in the language, I had the amazing opportunity to extend my learning beyond the classroom and do a gap year in Aix-en-Provence, working as an au pair. I vastly improved my French while living there and explored nearly every village and beach in the region. This experience solidified my interest in French and Francophone culture, and upon my return to William & Mary I became friends with other students who shared my passion, through movie nights, conversation hours, and cooking classes in the French House.

  I absorbed everything I could about French society, literature, and art through courses with Professor Pacini, Monsieur Leruth, and Professor Conley. During class discussions, I shared my own experiences living in France and developed a deeper understanding of French culture.

  Through the IFE program, I had the chance to study in Paris for eight months during my junior year. I completed two internships, including one at an environmental research institute, where I wrote a 50-page French-language dissertation on climate change litigation.

  I’m so gratified that I’ve reignited my love for French culture these last few years. I graduated in December 2021 and plan to use my French when I pursue a master’s program in Europe this fall.

Studying Russian at William & Mary was one of the most enriching parts of my college experience. Not only have my Russian skills improved immensely while learning about the Russian culture and literature but I have also been challenged to think more critically and communicate in ways that I never had before. Our professors had a large impact on this positive experience and have continued to provide an inclusive space for learning, an enthusiasm for the material, and overall inspiration to never give up. My most memorable experiences include working with the RPSS film committee and Gazeta staff during my time in college. I will never forget the relationships I’ve made in the Russian Program and will always be grateful for the opportunities you’ve provided me. Special thanks to my wonderful advisor Bella Ginzbursky-Blum for your guidance and support throughout the years and to everyone who made the department feel like home. My post-graduation plans are to continue to hone my skills and understanding of Russian in order to use this in my future work within the political sphere.

Pursuing a degree in Hispanic Studies (along with a degree in Biology) has enriched my personal and professional life in many ways. With courses ranging from Basque Studies to Environmental Cultures, and from Pandemic Lessons to Gender in the Early Modern Hispanic World, I have grown in my understanding of representation, marginalization, diversity, and empowerment. Moreover, I have learned to articulate how cultural hegemony differentially shapes and affects our lives.

  I am extremely grateful for Professor Root, who not only inspired me in her courses with her enthusiasm and critical pedagogy, but also gave me the opportunity to assist her in editing an upcoming book on Latin American fashion. I have learned about the publication process, cultural research, and the importance of intercultural communication. I also greatly appreciate Professor Buck for her vibrant teaching and support. I want to express gratitude to Professor Carrión for her incredible medical interpretation course, where we learned about both the vocabulary and ethics of interpretation. I’d also like to thank Professor Terukina for his encouragement and his ability to make challenging, historical texts electrifying.

  This degree has provided me with a sense of self-fulfillment and a passion for thinking critically about life and culture. As I plan to attend the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine as a member of the MD Class of ‘26, I know that I will use my education in Hispanic Studies to advocate for patients and for those in my community.

Although I came to William & Mary intending to major in French, I couldn’t have imagined at the time how much the program would enrich my college experience and my life more broadly. Not only have my French skills improved by leaps and bounds while learning about Francophone cultures and literatures, but I have also been constantly challenged to think critically and communicate effectively. Not one French course was easy, but neither was one uninteresting, thanks to professors’ expertise and enthusiasm, and students’ readiness to engage thoughtfully with the material. I truly appreciate the department’s collaborative atmosphere, where students’ insights are valued by faculty and classmates, and where each course was an opportunity to learn and grow, intellectually and personally.

  My W&M French education prepared me well for the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my life—study abroad in Strasbourg in the spring of 2021, in the middle of the pandemic, where I interned at the University of Strasbourg and conducted original research on a topic I had no idea I had a passion for—translation. Presenting this project at the Fête de la Recherche last fall (while also having the privilege of co-organizing the event) is one of my favorite memories as a French student. Since returning to the US, I have not been able to think about much else besides France, so I am planning to participate in TAPIF this upcoming school year. Merci à tous!

I am incredibly grateful for all the Chinese Studies program has done for me. The feeling of progress and improvement is one of my favorites, and all my interactions with the staff of the Chinese Studies helped me get that feeling. They gave me a healthy environment to develop my language skills and inspired me to be curious in areas I had never entered before. Not only was I given opportunities to develop my language skills, but I also was lucky enough to be able to apply my skills on campus. This department meant so much more than just a few undergraduate classes, and I will always look back fondly on the people I met and the experiences we shared.

Kelly Sherman’s (they/them pronouns) academic career at William & Mary initially began with a major in French and Francophone Studies, to which they added a second Linguistics major. Interest in other languages accompanied French, and they soon added a concentration in Japanese due to their interest in the language and culture since middle school. W&M’s Modern Languages Department provided a rich experience for both languages, and they were able to take multiple courses delivered in the target languages, further enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of topics such as nature, medieval history, feminism, and textual analysis.

Because of W&M’s amazing professors, Kelly was also able to gain deep knowledge of cultural topics in both Japan and across the Francophone world. As a result, they applied to the Japan English Teaching (JET) Program, a Japanese government-sponsored consortium that sends English speakers to teach elementary through high school English in Japan. Kelly has been honored with an acceptance and will be leaving for Japan in July. They will treasure their memories from W&M and are extremely grateful to the entire faculty of the Modern Language Department.

The Hispanic Studies program faculty and courses challenged me to utilize and grow my Spanish skills in such unique ways and encouraged me to find opportunities to be involved with the Spanish speaking community in Williamsburg. I am so thankful for the relationships with peers and professors from the department. I plan to attend graduate school to become a Physician Assistant and I am hoping to work with primarily Spanish speaking patients. I know that my courses in Hispanic Studies have prepared me well for the future!

Hello all! My name is Jordan Strong and I have LOVED being a Hispanic Studies major here at William & Mary. One of my goals coming into university was to achieve fluency in Spanish, and this department's belief that in order to be a fluent speaker of a language, one must also be fluent in the cultures of the nations that speak that language (however “imagined” they may be, Benedict) has helped me to do that and so much more.

  I was enormously grateful that, even during the pandemic, I could take part in W&M's incredible semester in Sevilla program. Some of my greatest memories of the past four years were made gallivanting around Spain, fully dedicating myself to speaking Spanish, and in doing so meeting people I never thought I would meet in my life. In fact, the picture on the screen is me kayaking in the Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid!

  From my first Hispanic Studies class with Profesora Cate-Arries at 8am in Tucker to my mind-bending capstones with Profesor Rivera and Profesora Buck, I have expanded my understanding of the world thanks to the outstanding professors of this department. I’d also like to thank Profesora Root, Profesor Cantarello, Profesor Terukina, and Profesora Tandeciarz for their deep care for me and for consistently pushing me to be a better learner. Wherever I end up in the future, I know the skills and values I learned here will never leave me.

  Que todos se mantengan en contacto y que siempre recordemos nuestra experiencia especial aquí.

I initially chose to pursue Russian to fulfill my International Relations’ language requirement. Although my friends and family warned me to pick “an easier language”, I knew what lay beyond the difficult and demanding language - a genuinely caring, supportive, and welcoming culture. My decision was partially guided by the event that sparked my interest in International Relations - the Maidan Revolution in Ukraine. As a middle schooler, the Maidan Revolution was the first major international event I followed in depth. The struggle for freedom and democracy helped open my eyes to the injustices faced in Ukraine and the world. 

The professors and fellow students in the Russian & Post Studies faculty have been the most friendly and supportive people during my time at William & Mary. From Professor Pickering’s government courses to Professor Ginzbursky-Blum’s language classes, the faculty has offered a rigorous but encouraging academic environment that has resulted in immense personal growth. I would not be the person I am now without my Russian coursework, the experience living in the Russian House, and interactions with the wonderful professors involved.  I have particularly appreciated the support of the department in studying abroad, even during an unprecedented global pandemic. 

My time in the classroom and while abroad in Prague, Czechia have fostered a deep appreciation for the culture and people of Central and Eastern Europe.  After graduation, I hope to build on my experiences by working in government policy focused on human rights and democracy in Central and Eastern Europe

I'm so grateful to have spent the last 4 years in the French & Francophone Studies program. As a rising sophomore, I went to Montpellier with 10 other students and Professor Compan. I spent the month in Montpellier with an amazing host family that I still keep in touch with today. That summer deepened my love for immersing myself in different languages and cultures and introduced me to one of my best friends at W&M, Karissa McDonald. During the Spring of my junior year, I went back to France to study and do research in Strasbourg with the Institute for Field Education. In Strasbourg, I interned at Caritas Alsace Pôle Monde Carcéral where I worked with people recently released from prison to help them reacclimate into the community. This semester abroad culminated in a research paper on how Caritas works to lower the rate of recidivism in Strasbourg. The French program at W&M prepared me culturally and linguistically to work, conduct research, and live on my own in Strasbourg. I was eager to stay involved in the program and continue speaking French when I returned to campus for my senior year. My involvement in the department continued by serving as the French House Conversation Hours Host with Karissa. After graduating in December 2021, I began working as a Case Manager in the Veterans First division at Friendship Place. I provide prevention and rapid rehousing services to Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness in and around DC.

  I have had an incredible experience being part of the German Studies program in my time at William & Mary. While I had prioritized my other major, History, in my freshman and sophomore years, I enjoyed my introduction to German 101 and 201 enough to pursue more classes in the program, I am so glad that I did. The German Studies professors, though few in number, were always helpful and encouraging in my studies for both my majors and offered advice on how to overlap the two disciplines in my projects and classwork that has left me with a great appreciation of the intersections between German culture and history that I look forward to exploring more in the future.

  Looking forward, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in German history and eventually teach at the high school or college levels, but for my immediate future, I was accepted into the Fulbright Austria Teaching Assistant Program for 2022-2023! I will be helping teach English at two schools in the Austrian town of Oberwart, and I can’t wait to further explore the German language and Austrian culture as I gain experience in education before moving on to graduate school. I am so thankful to my German professors and the department for the opportunities and guidance they have provided in my William & Mary education. 

The Chinese Studies program has been a huge part of my college career. Dr. Hill first introduced Mandarin to me when I took his COLL 200 course my freshman year.  At the time, I was an aspiring Physics major, but clearly that did not last long!  With his support and Dr. Hui’s guidance as my advisors, I have grown as a researcher and writer, gaining skills I will take with me in my next steps.  I will miss seeing Su Laoshi and Lin Laoshi’s smiling faces every day!  I am so grateful for their patience and kindness, especially when teaching online and with masks. 

  Besides coursework, I have enjoyed being a part of the Chinese Studies community.  The Chinese House is a tight-knit group, and I will miss our dumpling nights.  I never expected to become close friends with classmates, but the camaraderie I have felt with my peers in the program is unmatched.  It seems few things can bring people in college together more than humbly admitting that while you may have read the Chinese homework - you certainly did not understand it.

  In the immediate future I plan to practice my language skills as much as a I can as I start a career in marketing.  Sooner rather than later I hope to find myself abroad, putting my skills to the test and finally experiencing the cultures I have learned so much about.