In this section, we ask that you reflect on the linguistic training and cultural experiences that you have had during you college career (maximum 250 words). Because your ideas will evolve as you move through your college career, please feel free to upload more than one self-reflection, being sure to include the date in your heading.
The following questions are offered as a springboard for your self-reflection (You may wish to use a paragraph format for your answers. ):
- What were your goals or objectives for studying language(s)?
- Why you chose this or these particular languages over others.
- Discuss your base level of language competency upon arriving at Lafayette College.That is, were you a complete novice, a high school honors student in language, or did you fall somewhere in between? Are you a heritage speaker?
- How have you been able to build on your high school language-learning experiences? Is there any particular high school project you would like to highlight?
- What knowledge have you acquired about the culture(s) native to the language(s) you study?
- What communicative skills have you developed? In other words, what are you able to do with the language(s) you are studying?
- How has this knowledge and skill set informed your ideas or philosophy about learning?
- How do you feel language learning has influenced your ability to play an active and vital role in society, whether locally or globally?
- Have you been able to use these linguistic and cultural skills in any community outreach or volunteer programs?
- How has studying abroad influenced your goals and abilities?
- In what ways have your languages courses been relevant to other areas of study, such as your major or minor?
- How do you envision using your linguistic and cultural skills after graduation?
- In what ways has the study of language and culture influenced your future personal and professional goals?