My time here studying Spanish has been fascinating, engaging, and enlightening. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to study such a range of topics, from the medieval history of Spain to modern horror movies in Latin America. I look forward to learning more throughout my life and building on the knowledge I got from RLL.
Studying in RLL has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of my college experience. The supportive faculty and engaging discussions with my peers have pushed me to think deeper, embrace different perspectives, and grow more confident in my voice. From exploring new cultures in the classroom to studying abroad, RLL has shaped me into a more confident and globally aware individual.
My time in the RLL Department was spent developing fluency and cultural understanding in Spanish, with particular focus on queer art and literature in Spain and Latin America. I hope to bring my literary and translation skills in Spanish to my future work in publication, arts education, and public service.
Studying in RLL and the Residential College Spanish program have been some of the best and most rewarding times of my life. I not only went from speaking barely a word in Spanish to being near-fluent, but I've also made lifelong connections and friendships, all of which I will always carry close to my heart.
Sammi loved getting to discuss in French and Italian, their passions for literature, history, and people. Study abroad and the experiences as a member of the University of Bologna Choir in Bologna, Italy and immersive experiences traveling through Italy and France could never have happened without the knowledge that RLL classes and professors gave them!
Studying abroad in Dakar, Senegal was one of the most meaningful experiences of my undergraduate years. I loved getting to combine my interests of language and healthcare while learning from the community around me. It deepened my passion for culturally rooted care and strengthened my commitment to becoming a physician.
My French classes were some of my favorites at Michigan. In particular, I really enjoyed classes which focused on learning French through music and movies. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Pau, France, and I'm still close with my host family.
I had an incredible time in RLL, particularly in my study abroad at Grenoble. In France I experienced an immersion in the language and culture that I couldn't have gotten here, without a wonderful group of people that are still some of my best friends today.
Throughout my time in the RLL department, I not only learned to communicate in another language but also gained a deeper understanding of literature and history. The Italian program, and the RLL department as a whole, served as an essential cornerstone of my college education.
My favorite part of my time at Michigan was my semester studying abroad in Bologna, Italy. I learned so much about Italy and was able to greatly expand on the Italian I had already learned in my time in RLL. This photo was taken on a weekend trip to Lake Como with a fellow Michigan student!
When I first started in French 101 my first semester here, I never could've imagined the impact RLL would have on my time at Michigan. I'm proud to show how much I've learned and thankful for all of my professors for the support getting here!
My experience in RLL has connected me to so many amazing opportunities, experiences, and people. This program has shaped my ability ot reach out to and communicate with more people and communities!
Completing the Spanish major in RLL has taught me a lot about the world around me, introducing me to new cultures, languages, and dialects. I hope to take all that I've learned through this degree and apply it to my future career in optometry as a means to better connect with Spanish-speaking patients and provide more language inclusive care.
My experience at Michigan would not have been complete without the opportunities gained through RLL. The faculty continually supported, challenged, and inspired me, and I am confident that this program has equipped me to be a compassionate and empathetic healthcare professional!
