I Hated Language Classes In High School, But Now I Love Them
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Hated Language Classes In High School, But Now I Love Them

In high school, I definitely was not the worst student in my German class but I also never studied till lunch the day of the test.

162
I Hated Language Classes In High School, But Now I Love Them

In high school, I didn't take a lot of stuff seriously. Why study when I could cram five minutes before class and still get an A? Why do I need to take these classes when I know I'll never use what I learn in my career? How is this even preparing me for college? So many questions, some I still don't exactly understand or care to, since they're irrelevant now. One thing I will share is that I definitely was not the worst student in my German class in high school. But I also never studied until lunch the day of the test.

Now, I'll be honest, I was a little upset when I found out that, with my music major, I was still required by the College of Liberal Arts to take a second language. I took high school German for two years and decided to try my hand at it at the collegiate level. And, slowly it has grown on me. People will sell you languages in every way like, "German is good for business majors!" Or "Spanish is so important if you're going to be a teacher!" Not to mention the ever-impossible-to-evade, "Try it and go on a study abroad trip!" Honestly, for someone in college who has the time (does anyone actually?), these sound like amazing experiences and résumé builders. I am a busy person though and will never get the opportunity to study abroad.

Truthfully, the first day of German was boring for me. We passed around objects and learned the words, which was more of a refresher course for me than a learning experience, and we learned to say hello and our names--pretty simple stuff. What I didn't know was that, four semesters later, I'd still be sharing the classroom with some of the coolest people I know. Luckily, language classes at the University here are small and allow for a lot of student-to-student and student-to-teacher interaction. It also means lots of help and someone who really gets to know you. Which is uncommon in many other classes.

Another uncommon thing is that while the class still meets five hours a week, the workload has remained relatively steady. I have always been able to predict how much homework I'll have to do. I can also count on my teachers to be caring enough to excuse my ROTC absences and let me make up work when I need to without any grumbling. That's definitely not something I could ever say about the Music department.

You're probably wondering what the coolest thing about these classes is, and that is simply that they will let you determine parts of the curriculum. Want to choose your own project topic? Go for it, apply it to your other studies. Language teachers WANT you to learn about how to talk and write about the things you do and love. They want you to interact with people who have similar interests, and they want you to talk during class! Language teachers understand students, they won't overload you and they'll always be open to your ideas. They'll even help you prepare for interviews by having you practice it in your other language.

For me, German has become my favorite class. I love getting up for it at 8 a.m. because I know what we do will be relevant, I'll use it, maybe not daily, but frequently in music history, in talking with online friends that the program has provided me and in having a cool way to interact with people I've had the pleasure of sharing the classroom with the last four semesters.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51660
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33167
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956121
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181040
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments