Student Profiles
Lijana Teague Spanish & Psychology
Upon graduating with her bachelor of arts in Spanish, Lijana Teague ‘23 is moving right into a career at software company Reynolds & Reynolds as a traveling customer trainer. This position will require Lijana to travel across the country for 80% of her working hours, training car dealership employees how to use Reynolds & Reynolds products.
“With time, Reynolds & Reynolds noticed the increasing number of Spanish speakers joining the automotive industry. They found themselves lacking sufficient Spanish-speaking trainers,” Lijana explains. “Because the world languages and cultures department here at Valpo helped me feel confident in my Spanish, I mentioned my Spanish skills during the interview process.”
After Lijana’s final interview Reynolds & Reynolds sent her a Spanish fluency test. One day after she submitted her answers, the hiring team sent her an offer letter with a salary that was 15% higher than the job posting. “They said I had the highest level of Spanish out of everyone on the team and would be sought-after and needed in the field,” Lijana says.
There are many stories similar to Lijana’s of students who came to Valpo with very limited Spanish-speaking skills. But by putting everyday skills into practice in our Spanish language program, students can gain a professional edge and an entirely new skillset.
“The world languages and cultures department has cultivated an atmosphere of growth and teaching of real-world skills,” Lijana says. “If you have the privilege of pursuing higher education here at Valpo, take a language course. Best case scenario: you fall in love with it and make it a part of every semester on campus. Worst case scenario: you leave a little more well-rounded and might even get a raise.”
Alejandra Spanish & Social Work
“I chose Valpo because I wanted to experience a different life away from home and meet people who have different traditions than I do. People judge me when I say that I’m taking Spanish classes because I already know the language. They don’t know that I want to better my Spanish to help or teach those back at home and use it in my profession, Social Work. I’ve enjoyed every class thus far, and I look forward to learning more fascinating stuff!”
Amanda Spanish & Meteorology
“The Spanish program at Valpo strives to engage students in the Spanish culture and language in every way. The faculty is constantly encouraging students to reach their potential and gain memorable experiences and meaningful relationships through the study abroad programs. I love how they even offer summer study abroad trips, so that busy meteorology students like me don’t have to miss out on the great opportunities offered here.”
Leena Spanish & Chemistry
“I am so thankful that I chose to be a Spanish major at Valpo! Not only do the professors encourage you to understand, speak, and write in Spanish, but they also share the beauty of the language through discussions on culture, civilizations, literature, and so much more . . . there are so many opportunities to incorporate both my majors (Spanish & Chemistry) outside of the classroom and even off-campus!”
Bethany Spanish & Secondary Education
“Valpo offers many great Spanish classes that can be combined with other majors within a small school setting. The Spanish Department has highly trained and dedicated professors who are always willing to help, study abroad opportunities in Spain and Latin America, a Language Resource Center, and a Spanish Club to further students’ Spanish learning. I was blessed to be able to study in Zaragoza, Spain during my junior year and I absolutely loved it.”