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Student Ambassadors

The purpose of the Student Ambassador program in the Department of World Languages and Literatures is to provide undergraduate students with a volunteer opportunity through which they may contribute to departmental activities and help the department in its promotional and recruitment efforts.

Current & Former Student Ambassadors

Photo of Eleanor F., Student Ambassador

Eleanor Fults

Major:

  • Biology

Minors: 

  • Spanish
  • Chemistry

Class Standing:

  • Junior (Class of Fall 2026)

Why are you a WLL minor?

When I took my first Spanish class in high school, it was a requirement to graduate. I knew I was interested in learning a language, but I did not realize how much I would gain from it. After high school, I knew I wanted to continue learning languages, especially Spanish. I want to attend medical school in the future, and being able to speak my future patients' native language would be extremely beneficial. In college, I completely fell in love with the Spanish language and its cultural impact on our country. I am excited to continue learning, and I hope to study abroad in the future to improve my fluency!

What has your favorite class been so far and why?  

My favorite Spanish class was my Conversation and Composition I class sophomore year. I loved learning more about different Hispanic cultures and speaking with fellow classmates, both native and non-native speakers. I also enjoyed watching modern movies completely in Spanish. I think the most beneficial way to learn a language is listening, even if you may not understand every word. 

About Eleanor:

My hobbies include playing basketball, dancing, reading, and writing! I am extremely involved in the dance program here at UofM and have loved performing all of my life. I love being active, whether it's running, playing sports, or going to the gym, it is a great way to relieve my stress from my often-long study sessions. I recently started working in Dr. Huang's breast cancer research lab and it has been an amazing experience so far. I am so excited to be an ambassador for WLL, and I can't wait to get more involved in the department!

 

Photo of Kenna Bolton, Student Ambassador

Kenna Bolton

Major:

  • World Languages & Literatures with a concentration in Japanese
  • International Studies

What has your favorite experience been so far and why?  

In 2023, I studied abroad in the Nagoya City of Japan for a semester. It was a wonderful journey, and I met so many amazing people in such a short time.

Advice from Kenna:

The world is your oyster. Travel wherever you please and experience the many things that’ll change your life for the better.

 

Cierra Dennis, a senior at the University of Memphis majoring in World Languages & Literatures with concentrations in Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, and French, along with International Business and Asian Studies & International Trade, stands smiling in front of bright red torii gates in Japan. Cierra has a minor in International & Global Studies and is passionate about language learning, having also studied Japanese, Korean, and ASL. Her hobbies include reading, watching movies, and learning new languages, and she dreams of traveling the world.

Cierra Dennis 

Majors:

  • World Languages & Literatures with a concentration in Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, and French
  • International Business
  • Asian Studies & International Trade

Minor: 

  • International & Global Studies

Class Standing:

  • Class of Spring 2025

Why are you a WLL major?

I love learning different languages and about different cultures. This major allows me to learn something new every day and better connect with the world around me.

What has your favorite class been so far and why?  

My favorite class so far has been my Intermediate French 2010 course. I love not only learning French but the culture in France and little fun facts about the language too. Everyone is always ready to learn and has fun, including the professor!

About Cierra:

My hobbies include reading books, watching movies, and learning languages (I study Japanese and Korean and am starting to learn ASL). My dream is to travel the world, and so far, I've had the blessing to travel to Belgium, France, and Japan. If I can offer any advice for anyone learning a language: 1) observe, mimic, apply, and repeat consistently and from the beginning; 2) connect your language learning studies to a people and a culture for a more effective and fulfilling experience. Something important that I think people should know is that learning a language is an investment and a commitment, but it's super worthwhile! There are people, history, and culture behind the languages we speak, so do yourself a favor and learn not just your own but other languages too! 

 

Zamia Colbert

Zamia Colbert

Majors:

  • World Languages (Chinese and Japanese Concentrations)
  • International & Global Studies

Why are you a WLL major? 

In high school, I took Chinese, Japanese, and French. I really like Chinese and Japanese and decided to continue my studies at university. I am happy that I decided to go to UofM. Now, as a WLL major, I can take Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. As someone who has enjoyed East Asian culture since I was young, I am truly fortunate to be a WLL major.

What has your favorite class been so far and why?  

So far, I am enjoying all the K-Pop and K-Drama material I have been seeing in my Korean class. My classmates are also fun to talk to. 

Advice from Zamia: 

If you want to learn a language, start now, don't wait. It is going to be hard and there will be times when you want to quit, but there will also be a lot of fun moments. It will be an amazing experience, especially since learning a language is learning a culture., and learning culture is eye-opening and fun.