FLL Major to Receive Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Spanish Major James David Turner is one of three NC State students to receive the prestigious 2014 Goldwater Scholarship.  According to the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation’s press release,

The Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,166 mathematics, science, and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. One hundred seventy-two of the Scholars are men, 111 are women, and virtually all intend to obtain a Ph.D. as their degree objective. Twenty-two Scholars are mathematics majors, 191 are science and related majors, 63 are majoring in engineering, and 7 are computer science majors. Many of the Scholars have dual majors in a variety of mathematics, science, engineering, and computer disciplines.

James is completing his Junior year and is a Major in both Mechanical Engineering and Spanish.  He is also a Park Scholar and a member of the University Honors Program. In 2011, James was also named US Presidential Scholar.  James has worked in the laboratory of MAE faculty Dr. Yong Zhu.  In addition to Dr. Zhu, James’s references included Drs. Timothy Shafer (EPA) and Jeffrey Eischen (NC State Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering).

Congratulations to James!

Sources: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering News & Goldwater Scholarship Foundation

By FLL Webmaster

In the Spotlight: FLL Alumna Ashley Edwards – “Grad School taught me just HOW important continuous learning and challenging yourself is”

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FLL Alumni Ashley Edwards

Ashley Edwards is a native North Carolinian and FLL alumna currently working as Spanish teacher at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, NC.

Ashley graduated from NC State in 2006 as a Foreign Languages and Literatures Major. She also completed a Concentration in Teaching Education and an ESL certification. She came back to NC State in 2009 to complete her MA in Spanish degree.

Ashley agreed to an email interview with Samuel Sotillo last November in which she talks about the journey that took her from being a student at Wakefield High in Raleigh, NC, to her current position as a highly-qualified Spanish teacher at the same school.

Samuel Sotillo: First, could you tell us a little bit about your background? Where are you from? Where did you go in HS?

Ashley Edwards: I was born and raised in Wake Forest, NC. I am an only child. I went to high school where I now work (Wakefield High School).

SS: Can you tell us a little bit about the intellectual or personal trajectory that brought you to teaching?

AE: As a child, I used to line up my stuffed animals and teach them. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I always looked up to my teachers and respected them very much.

SS: I understand you completed your undergraduate degree at NC State as a double-major. In addition to your FLL major, what other major did you complete? What advice do you have for current students who may be thinking about double-majoring/minoring in FLL? What is the most challenging? What is the most rewarding?

AE: My major was in FLL but I earned an ESL certification (I guess like a minor). I advise undergraduate students to take advantage of the time they have to learn as much as possible and take as many classes as possible! They will never be an undergraduate again! So, definitely take the opportunity to get that extra major or minor. Although I have not taught ESL, what I learned in the methods courses has helped me tremendously in working with English Language Learners in my Spanish classes. Also, just knowing that I could, if I wanted to, switch subject areas, is comforting. To have that extra certification in my back pocket is reassuring. There were not really any challenges other than finding the time to fit in the extra credit hours needed and that just takes organization starting as soon as you decide to take on something new.

SS: What community engagement opportunities or trip abroad related to your FLL major have most influenced your professional vision and practice? Was your involvement with any of these community activities or Study Abroad opportunities based on a faculty/staff recommendation or course requirement?

AE: In the summer of 2004, during my undergraduate studies, I studied abroad in Perú with Kay and Leo Villa-Garcia. I completed two courses during that summer, climbed to Machu Picchu, connected with a Peruvian family, made tons of friends and expanded my Spanish proficiency to a new level. After coming back from Perú, I was in love with everything Spanish! I have also taken students to Spain over the summer with a program called “A Different Spain” where the students study at an international high school called “Colegio Delibes”.

SS: You participated in our Concentration in Teacher Education program. How did you become interested in our CTE program? What do you think makes our program unique?

AE: Since I was not a Teaching Fellow and began my university studies in the First Year College Program, I was unsure about what I wanted to teach. Hence not entering into the college of Education yet. Once I decided on Spanish, the Concentration was the only option for Spanish Majors.

SS: You also completed Grad School here in our department. What skills that you learned as a FLL Grad Student do you think are most critical to your success as a teacher?

AE: Although I obviously was aware that lifetime learning is important making the decision to go to Grad School taught me just HOW important continuous learning and challenging yourself is. I worked full time while in Grad School and I would not go back and do it any other way. I was able to use the research I was reading about in my courses and immediately implement strategies and models into my classroom. I learned about past and emerging teaching methods that I could test out on my students!

SS: You may know that due to recent changes at the State level teachers will not longer be eligible to get economic incentives for completing a post-baccalaureate degree. After having completed your MA in Spanish Language and Literature, do you think that despite the lack of economic incentives a MA in FLL is still worth the money? Based on your own experience, what benefits a MA in FLL could offer current or future teachers in their professional careers?

AE: Honestly, the money was a great incentive for me to go back but if I had to do it again knowing the lack of economic incentive, I would still do it. I learned invaluable information going back to school and I completely encourage anyone to go back and do it if they have the time and money. There are many benefits to a MA in FLL! After years of teaching, we forget why we do what we do and we just do it. Going back to school reminds you of the theories behind the madness and why what we do works!

SS: Let’s talk a little bit more about you, what do you enjoy and find most challenging about teaching?

AE: There are so many challenges to teaching but many of them can be turned into positives depending on your perception of the situation. My most challenging moments have been connecting with students who simply do not care. No matter how many times you attempt to reach them, connect with them, talk to them etc, they just won’t let down their guard. And, without this relationship, their learning suffers.

SS: Thinking about your students, in what major ways do you want most to influence their lives?

AE: I want to most influence them on their view of the world and cultures as a whole. I want them to realize that they can make a difference by learning another language by being able to understand and communicate with people inside and outside of their community.

SS: What was the most challenging aspect of your FLL experience as both an undergrad and a grad student? What was the most rewarding?

AE: The most challenging part of Undergrad School was my French 101 class that I took after my student teaching experience for credit only just to remind myself of what it was like to be a new language learner. It was a nightmare! I learned a lot about great and horrible teaching strategies and I am able to empathize with my students because of what I experienced as a student in a first year FL class. At the same time, this was probably one of the more rewarding experiences. Another rewarding experience was being an International Student Ambassador. I met many new students from Venezuela, South Africa, China etc. to whom I was able to show the campus and teach about the university

SS: Anything you are reading right now?

AE: I read WRAL news daily. I am attempting to re-read Hunger Games: Catching Fire for the second time before I go see the movie! I love any books by Nick Hornby.

SS: What are some of your most memorable moments as a teacher?

AE: Any time I have worked with students outside of the classroom (clubs, volunteer work, studying abroad), I am amazed in their abilities to be leaders and survive in tough situations. I am the sponsor for Key Club which focuses on helping children around the world and doing volunteer work to help in our surrounding communities. I had the pleasure to work with a student named Olivia that served as president for Key Club a couple of years back. She truly exemplified the characteristics of a leader and I was very proud of her accomplishments! Also, any time a student comes back to visit and tells me, “I’m majoring/minoring in Spanish and it’s because I learned so much in your class. You really pushed me and I know now why you did!”

SS: Anything else we should know about you?

AE: I’m getting married in JUNE!!! I have 2 dogs that I love very much…but I have not been able to teach them how to fetch (epic teacher fail!)

SS: What do you look forward to most?

AE: I look forward to taking students to Spain again very soon. Watching students navigate their way through tough situations in a foreign language and, in turn, grow so much, is simply amazing!

SS: Do you have any advice for our students and recent alumni who are on the job market? What kinds of experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in K-12 Education?

AE: Get into a classroom as soon as possible! Volunteer to help in any way you can to be sure that teaching is your passion because if it is not, you will be sadly disappointed in the reality of the hard work coming your way!

Posted by Samuel Sotillo (Lecturer/Webmaster).

In the Spotlight: Austin Bath, Spanish Minor and 2013 Leader of the Pack

Austin Bath, 2013 Leader of the Pack

Austin Bath, 2013 Leader of the Pack wearing (future) professional attire. (Photo courtesy of Austin Bath)

Austin Bath is a junior, a Biology major who is also minoring in Spanish. A native North Carolinian, Austin is — as his Park mentor and FLL Assistant Head for Student Affairs Susan Navey-Davis describes him —  a “fine young man who has accomplished a great deal,” including a Park Scholarship and being recognized as NCSU 2013 Leader of the Pack.

In the following email interview Austin tells us a little bit about himself, what it means to be the 2013 Leader of the Pack, and the way how his FLL minor is giving him the opportunity to become a more competitive applicant to medical school.

Samuel Sotillo: First, could you tell us a little bit about your background? Where are you from? Where did you go to HS? What are you majoring in at NC State?

Austin Bath: I was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina where I attended J.H. Rose High School. I have enjoyed growing up in Greenville, but I was excited to graduate and come to Raleigh for college. I am currently a junior majoring in human biology and minoring in Spanish.

SS: Why did you choose your Foreign Language & Literature Minor?

AB: My dream is to become a doctor one day. In the time I have spent shadowing, I have noticed that a large percentage of the patients only speak Spanish. I believe that when people are sick they are in their greatest need. For this reason, I have decided to obtain an education in the Spanish language so that I can communicate with more patients in their native language. After graduating, I believe education in a foreign language will make me a more competitive applicant to medical school, and more importantly it will better prepare me to serve in the field of health care.

SS: What opportunities within your Foreign Language & Literature Program have been most beneficial to your education? Of these, which would you recommend to incoming FLL students?

AB: Over the past year I have become involved with an organization on campus called VOLAR, which stands for Voluntarios Ahora en Raleigh (Volunteers Now in Raleigh). The purpose of VOLAR is to connect students studying Spanish with opportunities to volunteer and practice language skills simultaneously. I have specifically chosen to volunteer with the Open Door Medical Clinic. The purpose of the Open Door Clinic is to provide free healthcare to patients that would be unable to afford it otherwise. Approximately thirty-six percent of the patients can only speak Spanish, so it is my job to help these individuals apply for care at the clinic. VOLAR has been great to work with, and I would recommend that other students studying Spanish check it out as well.

SS: You are a Park Scholar, what does it mean to be one? Do you think that being a Foreign Language & Literature Minor may have helped you to be better prepared to be a Park Scholar?

AB: Being a Park Scholar has been a phenomenal experience. Aside from the financial benefits, the Park office does a great job of providing us with support and opportunities to supplement our formal education. However, we are always reminded that the intention of the Park Scholarship is not to reward us for previous things we have done, but instead to serve as an investment in the future things that we will do for our communities and for our world. I think this is where my FLL minor comes into play. As a FLL student, I have been given the opportunity to learn about cultures different than my own. I have also been given the chance to learn how to communicate with people from different backgrounds, so that I will have the potential to serve them in the field of medicine.

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Austin Bath being recognized at half-time during the Homecoming Football Game on November 2, 2013. (Photo CSLEPS)

SS: Not long ago, you were recognized as the 2013 Leader of the Pack, Congrats! How do you feel? What does it mean being the Leader of the Pack? Do you think that being a Foreign Language & Literature Minor may help you to be a better Leader of the Pack?

AB: Thank you! I was really excited to find out that I was selected as this year’s Leader of the Pack. Each year, a “Leader of the Pack” is selected based on scholarship, leadership, service, and a campus wide vote to serve as a positive role model for the campus. The winner is usually announced at halftime of the homecoming football game, in place of the traditional homecoming king or queen. I believe being a FLL minor will better prepare me to lead the pack in several ways. One of the most important ways is that as a FLL minor I have learned the importance of understanding and interacting with diverse cultures. On campus we have so many people represented, so as a FLL minor I feel better prepared to work with others from all walks of life.

SS: What community engagement opportunities or trip abroad related to your Foreign language and Literature minor have most influenced your professional vision and practice? Was your involvement with any of these community activities or Study Abroad opportunities based on a faculty/staff recommendation or course requirement?

AB: For the spring break of 2013, I had the opportunity to travel to Quito, Ecuador for a medical service trip through NC State’s Alternative Service Break program. During my time in Ecuador, our group established five different medical clinics where we provided free care for the local people. This experience allowed me to learn about Spanish and medicine at the same time. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to return to Ecuador for all of next semester to attend Universidad San Francisco de Quito in order to take class. Last year I took FLS 201 with Susan Navey-Davis, and she was the one who originally told me about the opportunities to study abroad. Without her, I might have missed the chance!

SS: What is the most challenging aspect of your Foreign Language & Literature Minor? What’s the most rewarding?

AB: As I mentioned, I’ve grown up in North Carolina. The hardest part of a being a FLL minor is getting rid of my southern accent! However, I hope to improve my Spanish accent while studying abroad in Ecuador next semester. I’ve found the most rewarding part of a FLL minor is when I get to communicate with native Spanish speakers. Although I still have a lot to learn, it is always exciting to put into practice what I am learning in the classroom.

SS: Do you have any piece of advice for fellow students who may be thinking about entering  a FLL program?

AB: To any student considering a FLL program, I would say go for it! As a FLL minor, I have been given so many opportunities and experiences that I would not have otherwise had. I believe being a FLL minor will be useful for the rest of my life.

SS: In a more personal tone, anything you are reading right now? Anything else we should know about you?

AB: Currently I am reading On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. I know it sounds boring, but I am actually really enjoying it! The work is interesting to me because for those who don’t know, Darwin spent much time in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador studying evolutionary biology. I figured that reading the book will prepare me for study abroad, and it has been a useful way that I have been able to tie together my biology major and Spanish minor.

SS: When you think of the future, what gives you a sense of hope? What concerns you?

AB: Something that is of concern to me personally is the amount of people in the world today that are without adequate access to food. However, I have hope at the same time because there are many efforts to alleviate this problem. At NC State, I have been impressed with all the work that is being done with the Feed the Pack pantry, the annual Stop Hunger Now meal packaging event, and through other means.

SS: What’s next for you after graduation? What are you looking forward to?

AB: After graduation, I hope to go to medical school to become a doctor. I will be sad to leave State, but I have truly enjoyed my time so far here as a student. I’m not sure yet where I will be going for medical school, but I guess we will see soon enough!

By Samuel Sotillo (FLL Lecturer/Webmaster)