This semester I continued with my role as the German tutor through the Academic Success Center, holding two two-hour tutoring sessions every week in Kaufman hall. Despite the fact that I know there are many students struggling to meet the expectations of a committed learner in beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes, the attendance at my tutoring was abysmal. I advertised to almost every class at the beginning of the semester, but I usually had only regulars, or someone who never came back. With returning students, I often felt like the effort was not being put in between sessions to see any real improvement. Having a language requirement for college is a key part of a well-rounded education, and being a part of the arts and sciences college and Modern Languages department adds to how connected I feel on campus, but for many students it seems too far out of their comfort zones. College is a place you have to grow, and you HAVE TO WORK FOR IT!!!! 

If you are enrolled in a language class and struggling, try harder NOW before you’re 3 semesters deep and unable to string together a single sentence. We all learned how to speak to get here, and struggling to learn a language is an excellent exercise of empathy as a member of the global community. 

I also attended a film screening from Frau Preuss and Stammtisch, for the first time! Not sure if I will go back again, but next year I will be living closer to Main Street so it is plausible!!

In other news, I won the German Club award again this year, and enjoyed the MLLL Banquet and Awards Ceremony. I will try to promote tutoring again next semester, and stay involved in German Club.

Audrey Hirchert-Walton