Fernando Mendieta Bravo (2025): double major International Business and MOFL - Spanish 

Studying Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Cultures has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at JMU. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I received from the faculty; their encouragement shaped my growth both personally and professionally. 

Being part of a smaller academic cohort made it easy to build strong relationships. The professors really got to know us, and we got to know them, not just as teachers, but as mentors. Having some of the same professors across different classes only strengthened those connections. 

My Spanish interpretation internship showed me just how powerful language can be. Thanks to what I learned in my Spanish courses, I was able to bridge communication gaps and help members of the community in meaningful ways. 

Thank you for everything this department has given me.

Natalie Reitano (2025): English major, French minor 

When I started at JMU, I hadn’t planned on declaring a foreign language minor, but after taking a few French classes, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed it. Studying French at JMU not only deepened my understanding of the language and culture but also opened doors to new academic and professional opportunities I never expected. The professors are incredibly supportive, and the classes are both challenging and rewarding. Choosing to continue with French has been one of the best decisions I’ve made here.