High School/Hometown: Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington NJ
Education: Completing a B.S., Rutgers University (Exercise Science & Sports Studies)
Year of RU Graduation: January 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?
One goal I have had for many years is to become trilingual. I am fluent in Spanish, and have always wanted to learn another language. I have had exposure to the Greek culture prior to enrolling in Modern Greek, and I was always so fascinated and intrigued by it. Not to mention that my favorite food is spanakopita! I am so happy that I decided to enroll in Modern Greek, and although I did not pursue the minor because I am graduating early, I wouldn’t trade my Modern Greek experience for anything.
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)?
The small class size is such an optimal environment that made me love going to Greek class. It was such a refreshing change when I came from a class of 100, to a class of less than 20 students. There is nothing more important to me than being able to connect with my professors, and this is exactly what I was able to do. Professor Kourti-Gavalas has made undergrad years so memorable and I am so lucky to have had her as a professor. She cares so much for the success of her students and that reflects positively on our accomplishments. Furthermore, I enjoy learning about Greek culture when we are not learning about the language. By doing so, I appreciate the language that much more because of the literature, movies, and photographs that we have seen in class.
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?
I am definitely a much better person now that I am nearing the end of my Modern Greek classes. I believe it is so important to not only be respectful of other cultures, but to learn about them and embrace them in our everyday lives. I have such a newfound appreciation for everything Greek: food, music, dance, lifestyle, and history. I always look for opportunities to apply my knowledge of Greece and its culture in my life, and I was actually able to do that with a patient who comes into the neurologist office that I work at. It’s so great to be able to use my skills in the real world.
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?
Aftee graduating from Rutgers I will be attending graduate school to receive my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I 100% believe that what I have done in Modern Greek will help me in grad school, and in my professional life. Balancing my major with the course work for Modern Greek was definitely a challenge, but it’s all about budgeting time. The classes I have to take for my major are nothing like Modern Greek, but this is a good thing because I have received so much cultural exposure that I will always carry with me. Who knows ... one day I may have a patient of Greek heritage and then I will be able to make a strong connection with them because of the Modern Greek class.
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?
Unfortunately I was not able to take advantage of such a wonderful opportunity due to personal reasons. I truly wish I could’ve gone; I hear how highly my classmates speak of the trip, and I can only imagine how great it is. When I am older and established in my career, I can’t wait to visit Greece on my own and apply the skills I’ve learned, and kept up with.
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 say: do it! I did it, and never looked back or regretted my decision even for a second. Taking something so different from my major’s coursework has really helped me develop my skills as a student. I can’t imagine what my undergrad career would have been like without taking Modern Greek. Learning any language is difficult, but it opens so many doors, especially for students.