If I did not put in the effort to learn a second language, I would not have the chance to go on the trip of a lifetime.
BY JESSICA MULHOLLAND
One of the first questions students ask upon entering high school is, “Why do I need to take a minimum of two years of a language?” Some students may think studying a new language is a waste of time, but it is an extremely beneficial and interesting skill to learn.
Learning a second language has benefited me in a unique way. My mom’s boyfriend, who is 100% Italian, came to the United States when he was four years old. While I was learning Italian in school, he was able to help me improve my fluency at home. I was fortunate to be able to apply the language in my own home and talk to someone who understood what I was saying. However, I realize that not every student has an opportunity like I did.
Grasping a new language can truly have a positive effect on a high school student’s future. Being bilingual helps a person stand out against other qualified applicants in the competitive job market. Additionally, speaking a second language gives a person the ability to pursue a variety of careers. For example, people who like literature and art history could work as a translator at a publishing house. Many companies that mainly work with international customers are always looking for employees that can translate and solve problems.
Finally, taking a foreign language gives students the opportunity to go abroad in their senior, or possibly junior year. Learning Italian has allowed me to acquire enough skills in the language to go on the Spain/Italy trip in April of 2016. If I did not put in the effort to learn a second language, I would not have the chance to go on the trip of a lifetime.
Recent Comments