Alumni testimonials

Meet the alumni who turned their passion for language and culture into lifelong opportunities. Read their stories to learn what you can do with a language degree and how language study can shape careers, broaden perspectives and encourage personal growth.

 

American Sign Language (ASL)

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Nicholas Johnson

American Sign Language minor, 2026

In 2023, I left my support system in Las Vegas and began university life, where ASL Level 1 with Laura Archer sparked my interest in the d/Deaf community. Though initially challenging, I persisted with support from teaching assistants Katie, Sophia, Ash and Carly, practicing daily to improve my fingerspelling and fluency. Over time, my confidence grew, allowing me to express emotion and tell stories through sign. Under Andrea’s guidance in ASL 3–5, I flourished in a supportive, community-driven environment enriched by interactive lessons and guest speakers. I also gained deeper insight into Deaf history with Professor Harper, strengthening my cultural understanding. Through service learning with Mrs. Applewhite’s Deaf Education class, I formed meaningful connections and found my place in the community. As a political science major with an ASL minor, I hope to build a bridge between the D/HOH community and the Hearing based on respect, compassion and empathy.

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Shayla Spires

ASL classes have always felt different from my other classes. You must be present and actually participate. There’s no way to hide behind notes or just listen passively. I’ve always liked that, even when it pushed me out of my comfort zone. Overall, taking ASL has been one of the best parts of my college experience. It wasn’t something I had to do; it was something I chose to keep doing, which makes it so much more meaningful to me. I’m glad I stuck with it all the way through, and I really hope ASL will still have a place in my life in my future, even if it’s not in a classroom anymore. It made such a big impact on me and my college time, and I will always have so much appreciation for my instructor, the experience and the language.

 

Arabic

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Joy Na

Partaking in the Arabic program was one of the most rewarding challenges here at the University of Nevada, Reno. It pushed me academically in ways I genuinely enjoyed, showing me a priceless reward that came from both perseverance and curiosity. Beyond the grammar and vocabulary from our textbooks, learning Arabic opened the door to a rich world of culture, history and perspectives that broadened the world around me. It showed me that putting the effort to understand another language is also making the effort to understand people more deeply. My experience as a part of the Arabic language program has shaped both my personal and professional goals by strengthening my cross-cultural communication skill set and cultural awareness. It has inspired me to continue my endeavors in learning languages so I can keep building relationships, an invaluable asset for this interconnected day and age, where understanding others can take us farther than ever.

 

Chinese

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Daniel Lindbergh Lang

Chinese minor, 2019

Ten years after my first Mandarin Chinese class with Li Laoshi, my career has led me into foreign service. Learning Mandarin, I learned about the Chinese studies minor. Jessica Wang from USAC Shanghai visited our class and helped seed interest in studying abroad. With scholarships, I did. That summer, China seized me. I earned the U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship to Xi'an, China. Then, I conducted an honors capstone fieldwork on Catholicism in Taiwan. I became a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia, learned Mongolian and even presented in South Korea. I study now in Washington, D.C. as a public service fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Profoundly, my late mother had immigrated from China to study international relations too. I practice Mandarin and Mongolian for diplomacy. I serve on Capitol Hill this summer and aspire to become a foreign service officer of the U.S. Department of State.

 

French

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Heidi Schefcik

French major, 2017

Bonjour! French has been a defining thread throughout my life, from mastering the pronunciation of croissant in seventh grade to earning a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Nevada, Reno. My academic journey led me to immersive experiences in France, where I both studied abroad and have returned multiple times, even leading future French scholars on educational trips. I currently teach French at a local high school, delivering instruction across four levels, from introductory courses to an advanced placement class. Beyond the classroom, I contribute to the advancement of language education in Washoe County by selecting curricular resources, developing evaluative rubrics and integrating artificial intelligence into pedagogy. I also hold a master’s degree in TESOL, deepening my expertise in second language acquisition. Additionally, I have taught French at the university level and English in secondary schools near Lyon, France, within the TAPIF program, further broadening my global educational perspectives and experiences. My degree has unlocked a world both within and beyond the United States, enabling me to pursue my passion for sharing the richness and diversity of the French language and culture with others.

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Lauren Bain

French major, 2019

When I graduated with my French degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, I had no idea what doors it would open for me. It first took me to Lyon to study abroad, and eventually to Paris for a master's program. Today, I work for the international news organization France24, a fast-paced, bilingual newsroom where I adapt reports from French into English across a wide range of topics — from gang warfare and politics to iconic cultural monuments. Soon, I will begin the process of applying for French citizenship, yet another exciting milestone that all started with an intro French course at the University. To any student considering a language degree, it will take you further than you can imagine.

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Hunter Eigenman

French minor, 2021

I am currently a deputy attorney general with the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, with a Texas Bar license and plans to take the Nevada Bar Exam this July. Becoming fluent in French has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. I have recently published an academic article in an international legal student journal, with French being able to aid my globalized research. Additionally, I was able to volunteer in the immigration clinic at my law school as an interpreter who often met with francophone refugees. Knowledge of French allowed me to work, study and live on and off in France for five years during my early adulthood. It also enabled me to connect with other cultures, languages and people more easily; for example, I was able to take more advanced Spanish classes while studying law in Madrid for my last year of law school, despite me never having taken a Spanish class before moving there.

 

Japanese

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D'Andre Aitara

Japanese minor, 2024

My experience in the Japanese program has helped me not only in my language learning journey but also in my professional life. Beyond studying Japanese, I was able to make connections with other learners and exchange students from Japan through the club JSAN, where I later became an officer. These experiences and relationships ultimately led me to discover and join the JET Program, bringing me to Japan as a teacher. Now, I use the skills I learned in my daily life as I continue improving my Japanese and growing in my professional career. From my experience, the Japanese program offers incredible opportunities for anyone interested in the Japanese language, culture and international connections.

 

Northern Paiute

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Cal Boone

Before attending the University of Nevada, Reno, I lived in Las Vegas, far from my home (Schurz) and my family. I chose the University to return closer to my homeland and to take the Paiute language course. Through it, I was able to learn our stories, cultural values and a deeper connection to the language. Under the guidance of my teacher, Ralph Burns, I carry forward the teachings and knowledge he shared with us. These classes healed my spirit and continue to shape both my personal life and professional path. They have influenced my work in strengthening and reshaping our government structures to be more inclusive and responsive to Indigenous communities across the state. Without the language classes and community effort, the Paiute/Numu language would be at risk of going to sleep. That is why it is vital to carry these teachings with us in every aspect of life.

 

Spanish

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Nick Freed

Spanish major, 2026

I have been to many schools in my life, in business, language and history programs, and I can say without a doubt that the language department at the University of Nevada, Reno has been the best. The Spanish program at the University brought my command of the language to levels I would not have achieved on my own. I cannot endorse this degree enough to any prospective students wanting a true college education. You will not just learn the language but the history of it and how it impacted the world, from Spanish classics to the earliest influences of America. My career has revolved around sales for most of my life and my knowledge in Spanish will expand my business opportunities towards far greater things. To learn another language is to gain the ability to think in a way you never have before; I definitely did. ¡Ojalá que Uds. escojan bien!

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Oscar Lopez Armenta

Spanish major, 2026

My experience in the Spanish department has influenced my career and life in various ways. Through the Spanish program, I was able to maintain the connection to my Mexican heritage through Chicano studies classes and culture classes. I was able to learn about the history of my people while sharpening my Spanish skills both through speaking and writing. My Spanish degree is what lit the fire in me to advocate and fight for my community. In my career as a Legal Assistant to a Criminal Defense Attorney, I have used the skills I learned in the Spanish program to communicate with more members of my Spanish-speaking community. I use those skills every day, whether it be taking an intake call, speaking with a detained client, or speaking to a Spanish-speaking member of their family in meetings and/or court. The Spanish program has given me the confidence to continue chasing my dream of being a bilingual Criminal Defense/Immigration Attorney.

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Anna Shultze

Spanish major, 2026

Double majoring in Spanish at the University of Nevada, Reno, was one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. The program challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Through my coursework, I gained skills that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. As a student-athlete, balancing academics and athletics was not always easy, but the support and encouragement I received from the faculty made a lasting impact on my experience. The Spanish program provided a welcoming environment where I was able to build meaningful relationships with both the professors and my classmates. I would highly recommend the Spanish major to other students. In today's interconnected world, the ability to communicate across cultures is an invaluable skill. The program goes beyond language learning by helping students broaden their perspectives, build meaningful connections, and develop skills that are valuable in both their careers and everyday lives.