High School/ Hometown: Wayne Valley High School (Wayne, NJ)/Los Angeles, CA
Education: Completing a B.A., Rutgers University (Linguistics, with a minor in Modern Greek Studies)
Year of RU graduation: 2019
Why did you decide to take courses in Modern Greek (language)? If you pursued the minor in Modern Greek Studies, why did you decide to do this?
I decided to take courses in Modern Greek because I had a prior interest in learning many languages, Modern Greek included. I chose to continue the courses and pursue the minor because of my interest in learning more about the history and culture of Greece. It helps that our teacher is very helpful when it comes to things we don’t understand and the class itself is supportive.
What did you like the most about your Greek classes? If you took the minor, what did you like most in the other approved courses for the minor that you took (e.g., history, political science, religion)?
I enjoy learning about the culture the most, though I also enjoy learning the language itself. I also enjoy learning about the history from other classes pertaining to the minor.
Considering your current position and successes, was there anything in the classes or experiences you had, in pursuing Modern Greek and/or Modern Greek Studies, that contributed to your perspectives and accomplishments?
Though I am not yet graduated, I do think that taking these classes has helped me. Due to the way I have been learning the various grammatical aspects of the language, my thought processes for learning Modern Greek and for learning in general have become more methodical.
What advice would you give students thinking about studying Modern Greek, or taking the MGSP minor, but haven’t made up their minds?
I would advise people considering taking these courses or pursuing the minor to go for it. I find my own experience with the Modern Greek courses worthwhile and the community is often very inclusive.