When you start journeying out into the real world, it's a literal culture shock for some people as soon as the cap and gown of high school comes off.
If you grew up anywhere like my hometown of about 500 people, going to a university of 20,000+ students was a fantastic choice, but I'm still in awe daily by the diversity of this world. In most places I can think of, language diversity is high. Chances are, when you walk into a store, you will hear someone speaking a fluent tongue that makes you question your ability to speak English. Are they talking about you? Maybe. Would you know? No.
A lot of colleges and workplaces accompany students and employees of all backgrounds and language skill sets, so why is it so important for our generation to start learning about these cultures?
Here's a few thoughts I have figured since starting my language studies:
1. It opens your mind to try new things.
Remember when you were a child and your parents made you try everything that touched your plate? Even... brussel sprouts? Immersing yourself into a new culture is figuratively the same: you're trying something, everything differently. The coolest part about this fresh way of thinking is that you may find something you love, whether it be a food, activity or tradition.
It's time to break out of the box and explore the world. Each culture is different, and by studying the language basics you can start to get a feel for these differences and customs. I've always found it amazing how large the world feels when you make yourself try at least one new anything every day.
2. Travel and work opportunities.
Everyone loves to travel, right? It's the adventurer inside of us that wants to jump on every opportunity to go somewhere. The best part about immersing yourself into a language study is being able to connect to people while traveling. It makes a world of a difference when things go wrong and you need help, or with something as simple as introducing yourself to someone on a plane.
I can't count how many times in college I have heard the words "we're hiring graduate students who are bilingual..." because our generation is finally stepping up to the plate with language studies. Unless they are native to another country, most of our parent's generation never studied a language more than the prerequisite courses in high school. Having a second... or third... language can really make your resume wave a red flag at employers.
3. Bridging the culture gaps.
We live in America, everyone here should speak English. Wrong. I've heard that little cringe-worthy phrase too many times from small-minded people. This beautiful country we live in was founded on many different cultures and beliefs, and it should be kept to preserve those cultures. By studying a language, you can reach out to more people in need and teach others about the importance of traditions in different areas.
I could go on all day about how studying a language has shaped my career path and life goals, but it's only worth it if you put forth the effort. It's tough, learning a whole new set of grammar, vocabulary, etc. As if English wasn't bad enough. But in the end, being bilingual is really flippin' cool and is one of the most important assets of our generation.
