Bethany discovered her love for Spanish during a church mission trip to Venezuela. Planning to become a teacher, she enrolled in Northwestern because of its education program but soon discovered the college’s Spanish major is equally as strong. Living in the Spanish House and co-leading Spanish chapel have helped her to further develop her language abilities. Bethany also participates in the A cappella Choir, Jazz Band, the International Club and intramurals.

Speaking Spanish
“I appreciate the variety of teaching styles each of my Spanish professors has. Their fervor for me to grow in my knowledge and skills motivates me to learn. I also appreciate how much I’m challenged not only as a student studying Spanish, but as a servant of God who has been blessed with language abilities. I’m encouraged to use the Spanish I learn in class in other areas of life: church, mission work, in the grocery store, or with international students.”

Major immersion
“The second semester of my sophomore year, I lived in the Spanish House. Something awesome that happened while I was there was how natural I felt speaking Spanish. I could speak more rapidly and precisely than before. The first week, I had to explain the rules for a complicated board game to my housemates. Even though it was hard, it was good, because I had to use what I already knew in Spanish to express myself. After living there only a semester, my level of Spanish grew immensely. My native-Spanish-speaking friends can attest to that.”

A different tongue
“In one of my Spanish classes, we would read a passage of Scripture every day—about language or communication or something very applicable to what we were studying. We talked about how language is important to God, why he made different languages, and how he wants us to use language. I was surprised every day with a new perspective and a new way to think about what I was studying. It was an awesome experience.”

World ready
“I’m receiving training and support in a skill that will help me no matter where I end up. If it’s in a classroom, on the mission field, in a hospital or even a prison ministry, I know I have been well-equipped to use my Spanish abilities.”