I am looking forward to beginning at Vanderbilt in Fall 2010. An early interest in modern language led me to double-major in both Spanish and German during my undergrad studies at Pepperdine University (Malibu, CA). During my time there, I was privileged to study abroad for a summer in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I fell in love with the people and culture and, of course, Tango. However, I was also able to spend my sophomore year living and studying in Heidelberg, Germany, also through Pepperdine.
My time in Heidelberg fostered my interest in German history and literature, and my deep appreciation for the German people and culture. I graduated in spring 2009 with a B.A. in Spanish and German from Pepperdine. Largely due to my experiences in Heidelberg, I was motivated to apply for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Grant, which I won for academic year 2009-10.
This grant has allowed me to spend the year in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, teaching English to German high school (Gymnasium) students. Once again, living in Germany has presented me with many new and exciting challenges, strengthened my desire to learn more, and given me a broader knowledge of German culture...including, of course, "ein bissl Pfälzisch". During my time at Vanderbilt, I hope to find a way to explore intersections between German and South American literature, and to immerse myself in the rich literary history Germany has to offer.
Other areas of interest include song and poetry, Christian apologetics and literature (especially CS Lewis), ice cream, storytelling, boating (when I get the chance of it), cooking and movies/films of all kinds!
