World Languages and Cultures, B.A. Faculty Student Quotes


World Languages and Cultures, B.A. ~ Faculty & Student Quotes

Emphases in Japanese and Spanish

I've chosen to major in World Languages and Cultures with an emphasis in Spanish because it is my goal to be as fluent in Spanish as I am in English. I grew up speaking Spanish and English and I can speak, read, write and comprehend both fluently, but my English is a lot stronger since I grew up speaking it more than Spanish. I feel that it is my duty to better my Spanish so that I can go back into the community both locally and internationally to serve those who are disenfranchised and without a voice. I want to create positive social change in this world, and my focus right now is Latin America. I want to be the voice for the many Latin Americans all over the world who are being oppressed and undererpresented by their governments. That is why I have chosen to partner the WLC Spanish major with a Global Studies major. Watch out!!
~ Gabriela Yamilet Orantes, Sigma Theta Psi Multicultural Sorority

I chose WLC as a major because I have had a passion for learning about the Spanish language since I was young. I wanted to better my ability in Spanish and, in the process, I developed a great interest in literature from Latin America. I liked the fact that the study of the culture of the language you are learning is built into the major as well. I also liked the cross-cultural component, where you learn about at least one other culture different from your concentration.
~ Jessica Holt, Santa Rosa, California

Being able to study a foreign language in a small, personal setting has been a terrific experience. I am very proud to have participated in the exchange program that we have with Obirin University in Tokyo. I feel confident that the language skills I have acquired at CSUMB and Obirin will serve me well in my life as a postgraduate.
~ Bryan Hollar, Davis, California

I decided on a WLC Japanese major because I'd always been interested in language and Japanese in particular, and never had the opportunity to study it until college. I value the experience I've had here greatly, and after graduation I hope to be able to travel to Japan with JET or another teacher exchange program and continue my education. It will be an amazing and perspective-changing adventure to live in a new country.
~ Lisa Ferreira, Marina, California

I decided to major in WLC Spanish because it gave me the opportunity to learn more about my language and culture. It also gives me a gift with which to help the Latino community-my community. How? I plan to become a translator in a company or an organization that can help the Latinos.
~ Maria Guadalupe Marquez-Martinez, Salinas, California

I decided to become a WLC Japanese major because I love the culture and the language. I grew up in a multicultural family, and for some reason Japan stood out in my life. I wanted to choose a major that holds my passion in life, so the Japanese major was a great choice for me. Being in the Japanese Program at CSUMB has been a great experience. The instructors are great and are able to give the proper attention and aid to their students. I also like how the class sizes got smaller once I began to excel in the Japanese language. I really value all of the required multimedia presentations with such tools as video or PowerPoint, especially in the language courses because I was able to talk in front of my peers in Japanese and show how much I have grown throughout each course. Lastly I have met people who I can call great friends who are also part of the Japanese major. We've been taking the same Japanese classes from my freshman year, so we have bonded over the years.
~ Nastassja Vidrio, Culver City, California