Next step
Ever since visiting Northwestern during high school, Elizabeth knew this was where she wanted to go to college. To save money, she first earned an associate’s degree from Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. Now that she’s at Northwestern, she’s participated in Women’s Choir and Enlaces en Cristo campus ministry to Orange City’s Hispanic community.
Smooth move
I was nervous coming in as a transfer student. I thought it would be hard to make friends. To my surprise, few students knew or even cared that I was a transfer student. I fit in quickly and have made many amazing friends. Highlights from my first year include the RUSH dance concert, the winter formal, and making 2 a.m. runs to the Dutch Bakery with my roommates.
Personal connections
Professor Piet Koene in Northwestern’s Spanish department is one of the reasons I picked Northwestern. For starters, I was impressed that he had studied at a prestigious graduate school in California for interpreting/translating, which is a career I’m interested in. As a member of a bilingual household and translator in Iowa courts, Prof. Koene shares many of his stories and experiences so students can learn from them.
Smart start
Academics are a big deal at Northwestern, and I’m motivated to do well not only for a good grade but also because I know it will help me once I’m in a job. I’ve grown so much as a Spanish speaker because of classes taught only in Spanish and all the opportunities I’ve had to practice—like living in the Spanish House. I’ve also used the services of the Career Development Center to help me figure out not only what careers exist for Spanish majors, but also to understand my own personality better and what kind of work environment will suit someone like me.
Small town friendliness
I love going to college in a small town! I think the smaller campus helps students connect more with each other and the professors. The biggest difference I’ve noticed between Northwestern and other colleges I’ve attended or visited is the friendliness here. It’s easy to meet new people and become friends. I love seeing people I know around campus every day, passing by them and being able to say hi.
