Meet Our Alumni

City: Birmingham, AL

Degree: Spanish and Nursing, 2019

“I’d always had an enthusiasm for learning Spanish, and I knew that it was something that I would use for the rest of my life. As soon as I entered nursing school, I realized that there is a great need for bilingual, culturally competent health care professionals, and I wanted to help bridge that gap. With nursing and Spanish, I saw the opportunity to combine two of my passions and serve more members of my community. I'm so grateful that I was able to complete both of my degrees, pursue my dreams and represent Auburn University while doing so.”

City: Birmingham, AL

Degree: Spanish and Communication, 2018

“One word to describe my Spanish journey: potential. Learning Spanish draws out your potential; it enhances your skills in language and takes them to the next level. It challenges you to consider viewing, understanding and experiencing things in a different light. In Auburn’s Spanish program, I became aware of the beauty of language–how although different, we are all quite similar. What I thought was a pipe dream–learning another language–became a reality with my Spanish education. I had the opportunity to finish my college degrees in San Jose, Costa Rica. It was my first experience abroad, and the ultimate 'final test' of everything that Spanish had taught me. During that experience, I gained more confidence in myself, in my ability to speak the language, and I realized there is a future for me in the world of translation and interpretation. Since graduation, I’ve been writing for the media in a different way, thanks to the classes that helped me open my eyes to a broader worldview. In my work, I strive to bring the balance and fair representation that all groups deserve, which I came to understand in my Spanish courses.”

Graduate School: East China Normal University

City: Shanghai, China

Degree: Asian Studies and Anthropology, 2018

“I’m currently enrolled in an M.A. program in anthropology at East China Normal University in Shanghai, China. While in China, I’ve learned so many things about Chinese culture, mostly the food, social outings, and the wonderful thing known as the Shanghai subway! Going to ECNU would have been impossible if I hadn't studied Chinese culture and language classes at Auburn University. My East Asian classes helped me prepare and learn how to connect with many of my Chinese classmates by sharing common interests, like talking about the importance of modern Chinese literature and Chinese cultural values. I’m very pleased with what I learned in my classes, and I’m sure any other student would feel the same.”

Graduate School: Auburn University

City: Auburn, AL

Degree: Italian Studies and Communication, 2017

“Getting involved with the Italian department was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only did I gain linguistic and cultural knowledge, but also friendships and experiences that will positively impact me for the rest of my life. With the help of the amazing professors, I was able to receive scholarships to study abroad and to further my knowledge of the Italian language and lifestyle. I was involved with the Italian Club, which led me to apply for a yearlong assistantship teaching in Italy. This experience allowed me to further my proficiency in Italian, to be fully integrated into the Italian lifestyle and to travel extensively. This opportunity has opened many doors to me in academia and in the corporate world. Now, I’m pursing my M.A. in communication at Auburn University while working as a graduate teaching assistant. Without the skills and knowledge gained from all of the opportunities in the Italian program, I would not have received this position. I am forever grateful for the influence and opportunities provided by the Italian professors’ selflessness, generosity and ever-present support to ensure the success of their students.”

City: Oakland, CA

Degree: Spanish and English Literature, 2017

“Auburn’s Spanish program helped me fall in love with Spanish as I improved my language skills and learned about Hispanic cultures around the world. My horizons were broadened especially by the opportunity to study abroad at the Universidad de Salamanca, the best university in Spain. After some particularly impactful courses—like Latin American Masterpieces, Cultural Analysis and a course on Spanish film—I was compelled to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English at a university in Colombia. This scholarship sends graduates from American institutions to countries around the world in an effort to improve intercultural relations and competence between people from the U.S. and around the world. The Spanish program not only gave me the language skills I needed, but the professors contributed to my pursuit of the Fulbright through their constant encouragement, invaluable advice and assistance with my letters of recommendation. It is thanks to Auburn’s World Languages department and its incredible faculty that I was able to take advantage of the opportunity to live and work in Bogotá on a Fulbright Scholarship.”

City: Huntsville, AL

Degree: German and Italian Studies, 2016

“Because of my involvement in Auburn’s Italian Studies program and the support and encouragement of my professors, I was given the opportunity to teach as an assistente madre lingua ('mother-tongue assistant') at the Istituto Statale Istruzione Superiore Edith Stein ('State Institute of Higher Learning Edith Stein') in Gavirate, Lombardy, from September 2017 to June 2018. Although I mainly helped Italian high school students improve their English skills, I found the experience to be far more wide-reaching than simple linguistic aid. I realized that my primary mission was not merely to help the students become more proficient in English, but to expand their perspective and awaken in them the desire and drive to explore other cultures, and experience a deeper level of connection to the world around them. Of course, that was a two-way street, and I definitely came away from the experience with similar growth of my own. There were times when adjusting to a different culture was difficult or even frustrating, but interacting with students, neighbors and friends–seeing the spark in their eyes as we crossed over a threshold of new understanding–made any difficulties absolutely worth it.”

Graduate School: University of Alabama

City: Nashville, TN

Degree: German and English Literature, 2016

“I received a Fulbright Scholarship, so in September 2016, I moved to Vienna, Austria, where I spent the next 10 months teaching English at two local secondary schools. One school focused exclusively on teaching students business skills, so I used a lot of business-related English. My German business classes helped me plan my lessons! The other school focused on social work, which is where my non-German courses like psychology really came in handy. I also took classes at the University of Vienna, and I was able to take courses in everything from crime scene investigation (which was in German!) to the history of the Catholic Church and its struggle against secularism. The most exciting part of my Fulbright was getting to work in a home for children with disabilities. I learned a lot about caring for those with disabilities, and I had a lot of fun playing with the kids. After my Fulbright experience, I enrolled as a law student at the University of Alabama School of Law. I spent the first summer working at the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, so my Fulbright experience definitely helped. I have started my second year of law school, and I am now an alumni ambassador for the U.S. Fulbright Student Program, so I get to talk to students about applying for the Fulbright Scholarship, which is very exciting for me.”

Graduate School: Auburn University

City: Reno, NV

Degree: Spanish, 2007

"What the programs and instructors at Auburn did for me, in addition to offer a lot of really interesting information, was teach me how to think critically and help shape my worldview. They also encouraged me a lot and that's what I want to do for you today. Learning a new language is super hard, but it's very worth it. Keep studying. Stay hungry for information. Work hard and finish strong."

City: Nashville, TN

Degree: Spanish and Music, 2013

"As a songwriter, my Spanish skills have given me a greater appreciation for language nuances in both Spanish and English, which contributes to my abilities as a writer. It has provided me opportunities to teach music lessons to Spanish speakers and travel abroad playing and teaching music in Spain."