My very first class on my very first day at Georgetown was Text in Context with Professor Ryshina-Pankova. I remember walking out feeling so daunted by the prospect of a language class focused on content, not just language mechanics, not to mention overwhelmed by the homework for the next period: reading the first few chapters of a book! I had no idea how much my competence and confidence would increase throughout my four years here, nor any idea how much my love for German language and culture would grow.
My classes in the German department have been some of the most challenging and rewarding courses of my college career. I’ve loved getting to develop my language skills by exploring literature, history, culture, and current events, and my German courses have consistently pushed me to think more deeply and creatively about the language, the ways it is used, and the effects of particular uses in literature and discourse. As well as learning how to speak, read, and write, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the beauty of the language.
My experience in the department at Georgetown led me to spend my junior spring studying abroad at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, where I got to experience a whole other kind of learning. Immersing myself for five months entirely in German was perhaps both the scariest and the best choice I’ve ever made, and I’m so grateful for all of the support I received from the department to make it possible.
Since coming back, I’ve felt closer to the German department than ever. From class to Kaffeestunde, I’ve looked forward to getting to practice, laugh, joke, and connect with fellow undergrads, grad students, exchange students, and professors. I’m proud to count myself a part of this amazing department and thankful for everything I’ve been able to learn.