International Education Symposium 2015: A Participant's Perspective

By Faith Cotter, MA Student in Professional Writing, English Language Prom TutorI am a tutor in the English Language Program, and I’ve been working in this position for over a year. A lot of my work, even outside of the tutoring center, focuses on clients who are multilingual. Aside from a few courses in Spanish, though, English is the only language I speak. The International Education Symposium inspired me to learn a new language and highlighted the importance of learning multiple languages in the United States and how we can implement the teaching of multiple languages into U.S. schools. It gave me a lot to think about!Of course, it was easy to feel inspired by the talented speakers who talked to the audience about their experiences with language and culture. Mohammed Almalky’s presentation was hilarious! I still laugh at the jokes that he told. The other presenters were very informative as well. From a woman who learned English while growing up in Mexico, to three American students who either lived abroad in the military or for school, or who formed close friendships stateside with people from other countries, the Symposium gave the audience a wide range of experiences to learn from.I am glad to attend a university that encourages friendships between people of different backgrounds. I know that I’ve learned so much from the students I have worked with at Chatham. The International Education Symposium was a wonderful celebration of the friendships that a Chatham education—or just taking the time to get to know one another—can create.