Most students never consider the many doors that schools like Austin Community College can open for them. Unfortunately, there is a misconception when it comes to community colleges and many liken them to technical colleges or perhaps a place for older adults wanting extra certifications within a field they’re already in. In reality, Austin Community College is a gateway to the wealth of potential that walks through its doors year round.
One particular student, Luiza Daude Laurents, is finding out first hand the width of her potential. She was awarded the Critical Language Scholarship and will be joining several American students in an intensive overseas program in Russia. The program promises to promote rapid language gains through language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences.
I had the honor of interviewing Luiza so that I could ask her a little about winning the scholarship and was met by a bright, clever, young woman, eager to travel and explore the world. Having previously traveled to a variety of places like Austria, Germany, Belgium, and China – she knew she had to keep going. When I asked her what drove her to want to pursue languages and travel with such fervor she cooly replied, “I think that’s how you connect people. If we understand the language then we can understand each other. When we can understand each other we can talk about our differences.”
As a child, Luiza wanted to be a spy because, in her young mind, spies traveled everywhere. With parents that promoted independence, she actively pursued a vision that allowed for her to study and visit abroad in her high school years. This opportunity thus gave birth to an impassioned young woman eager to grow and learn in her continuing education.
Austin Community College has opened many doors for many students. With fantastic teachers, a great language program, and the support of her family; Luiza was encouraged to apply for the Critical Language Scholarship. Several months of waiting left her anxious and doubting herself but by early March – the decision had been made. Luiza had won the award and this summer, she’ll be immersed in a culture and language far different from our own.
Piquing my curiosity, I asked Luzia what she expected to get from studying in Russia as opposed to taking a language course at ACC. “I love my classes here, especially when they’re accompanied by a great teacher, but it’s different than being fully immersed in the culture and language. You kind of have to just force yourself to figure it out and you’re surrounded by it constantly and in a class you have someone guiding you and then you leave and speak English the rest of the time. It’s really interesting when you find yourself in unique situations too. When I was studying in Vienna and Munich, the people with me all came from different places and spoke different languages – Russian, German, English, and we’d piece together conversations by going through all three in order to understand each other. It was really cool being a part of that.”
I asked Luiza if she was worried about going alone on such an amazing but intimidating trip and what her parents thought of it. “My parents have always let me be my own person and figure things out on my own and I really like that. They never pressured me into doing something I didn’t want to, and after high school I didn’t want to just jump into a University. I wanted to travel and kind of figure out what I might want to do. I guess I usually just roll with things. If I get stuck or find myself lost, which has happened before in another country, I like that I have to ask those around me for help and immediately I’m using a skill I’ve only practiced in the classroom. I’m not too worried about going along because of that. Also, it gives me the opportunity to explore the places I want to when I have free time. I can go to the museums and shops I want to without having to consider an entire group.”
After saying goodbye and promising to follow up after the trip, Luiza left. An opportunity for growth is available to anyone that’s willing to take it. At ACC, Luiza found her opportunity.
Adriana Cantu
Staff Writer
