Hi readers! Welcome back! Sit back, relax, and enjoy hearing about my experience of my Spanish language journey at Amherst.
In applying to Amherst College, I had a general understanding of the areas of interest that I wanted to study. I was really interested in the Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought (LJST) department at Amherst, as this major is extremely unique and I knew I wanted to take some classes in the major. Also, I had an interest in environmental science since taking an AP class in high school, so I knew I wanted to take some classes in the Environmental Studies department as well.
I was also excited to take part in the open curriculum that Amherst has to offer as a liberal arts college. For example, in my first year at Amherst, I took courses in not only the LJST and Environmental Studies Departments, but also the Political Science and Religion Departments. I really enjoyed branching out a little bit in my first year, as it helped me understand the classes that I enjoyed and wanted to continue with. Even though I did not want to continue in the Political Science and Religion Departments, I was grateful for what they added to my education.
Towards the end of my first-year, I began to consider the idea of studying abroad, and I knew that I wanted to add in an additional immersive language component. I had an interest in studying Spanish, as I have familial ties to the language, and a desire to learn more about the culture. Because of this, I knew that the next step would be to begin to study the Spanish language at Amherst, and that I had to take steps towards my language journey.
First, in the fall semester of my sophomore year, I decided to register for the course Spanish 101. Ultimately, I am really glad I did! Spanish 101 was a really fun class that I took with Professora Piazza, and was a great foundational language course.
Second, in the spring semester of my sophomore year, I continued with the progression of Spanish courses by taking Spanish 102 with Professor Piazza once again. I am really enjoying this class so far, and I think my Spanish has continued to improve.
One of my favorite components to the courses that I have taken in the Spanish department is the outside Spanish language and culture events that students are required to attend. I have had so much fun learning Spanish outside of the classroom by either attending the weekly Spanish table in Valentine Dining Hall, or attending the Spanish Tertulia events. Attending these events have been a great opportunity to meet new people and get to know the Spanish teaching assistants at the college. Last night at the tertulia, I made a piñata with some other students!
Third, I will be studying abroad in Granada, Spain for the upcoming Fall 2025 semester! I am so excited to continue my Spanish language journey, and utilize the open curriculum to go beyond my majors.
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions about Amherst, or would like to talk further, email me at cjaeger27@amherst.edu.