DEPARTMENT OF ASIAN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

I began studying Chinese in 8th grade, and I always found the challenge of learning and practicing the language personally gratifying. I pursued my Chinese language and culture major purely as a way to deepen my exploration of my passion for learning the language. 

I currently work as a licensed counselor and registered drama therapist mainly with children and families. While this career is not directly connected to my studies in ALC, the lessons I learned in the department were immensely impactful on my personal and professional development. The act of learning a new language and studying a different culture expanded my worldview and allowed me to develop cultural sensitivity skills that are integral to my therapeutic practice. My ALC major also inspired my decision to pursue a Fulbright English teaching fellowship in Taiwan directly after college, which was a formative experience in my early adulthood and career working with children and families. 

Lin Laoshi was one of the most supportive professors I have ever had. She encouraged me to participate in a Chinese speech competition, which was daunting because speech was the hardest aspect of the language for me. She patiently coached me and supported me through hours of practicing, correcting all of my inaccurate tones. Professors and mentors like her are what make the ALC department great. 

I was the first Chinese language and culture major graduate from the ALC department (class of 2016)! This is both a fun fact and accomplishment that I am proud of. 

Since graduating college I have found more time for the fiber arts hobbies I had done as a kid (knitting, crocheting, and embroidery). I always have at least 3 projects stashed around the house.