FLL Major Wins Prestigious Language Scholarship

We are excited to announce that for the second consecutive year (and fourth time in eight years!), one of our Foreign Language Education majors, Mikaela Trank, has been awarded the Foreign Language Association of North Carolina’s Jane Mitchell and Manolita Buck Honorary Scholarship. Mikaela, currently a Hispanic Studies Learning Assistant, is a passionate advocate for language and cultural education, and this scholarship is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication.

When asked about her inspiration for pursuing a degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures with a Hispanic Studies Education concentration, Mikaela shared, “My inspiration comes from the people who speak the language! I was able to spend time in 2019 in the Dominican Republic and I fell in love with the children I met there. After my return home, I wanted to grow my knowledge of Spanish and be able to communicate better with people in the Hispanic/Latino community. From there, my love for sharing the language and culture grew.”

Her time studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, deepened her understanding of the Spanish language and its cultural nuances. “I learned how to communicate respectfully with others and how to navigate cultural norms,” Mikaela said. “My advice for any prospective language student is to go abroad! Immersing yourself in a different culture and language is the best way to learn and grow.”

Looking to the future, Mikaela plans to provide her future students with opportunities to experience authentic cultural elements from around the world. “I hope to teach new generations about the language and cultures I love and create a safe space for them to share their own!” she adds.

We are incredibly proud of Mikaela’s achievements and look forward to the impact she will make as a future educator. Congratulations, Mikaela!