High School/Hometown: Ridge High School/ Basking Ridge
Education: Completing a B.A., Rutgers University (Sociology, with a minor in Modern Greek Studies); will continue with graduate work in the Rutgers Graduate School of Education.
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 took courses in Modern Greek because it is a very unique program and I wanted to better understand my background as well as the Greek language and culture.
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 liked how personalized the Greek classes were. Our professor, Katherine Kourti made sure that everyone understood the content and no student was left behind in that class. Of all my classes, this was the one I felt I have had a voice in most in all my time at Rutgers.
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?
Yes, pursuing the Greek minor impacted me in many ways. It allowed me to connect with other people in my community that may share a similar background as myself. I also appreciated how welcoming the class was to newcomers that did not practice Greek or grow up with a Greek background. It was a warm environment that really encouraged positive learning.
If you pursued a M.A. or Ph.D. after graduating from Rutgers, did the courses you took in Modern Greek, or Modern Greek Studies, help prepare you for graduate work, or your professional life in general?
I am currently in the five year education program at Rutgers and I believe Modern Greek Studies helped prepare me for my work. I was able to learn how to manage my time with the coursework and understand how to build a community within my classroom. I felt like an individual in the classroom and not just another student.
Were you able to participate in any of the Modern Greek Studies Program’s approved locations overseas — i.e., the summer program in Thessaloniki, or the semester/AY programs at CYA in Athens and ACT in Thessaloniki? How did such experiences impact you?
I was able to participate in the summer program in Thessaloniki and this allowed me to really grow as a person. I gained a lot of new experiences and new perspectives on Greek life and my life in general. I came back a changed person for the better after my time during the program. I was able to volunteer at a program for adults with special needs and this made me realize that I want to specialize in this part of the education system. I would recommend it to anyone.
What advice would you give students thinking about studying Modern Greek, or taking the MGSP minor, but haven’t made up their minds?
You will really grow as a learner and a person if you pursue a minor in the Modern Greek program.