Mira Parker

“I hope to become a Japanese translator for either an American or Japanese company. Along with that dream, I am also an aspiring writer. So after graduation, I hope to be both a translator and an author.”

“Carthage faculty members are super nice. My first-year advisor, Professor Yan Wang, helped me figure out my four-year plan, so I could graduate on time. Without her, I would have no idea how to figure out what classes I needed for graduation. Prof. Wang also teaches some of my classes. It is easy to talk with her and get advice on the best classes to take. She is also a great person to go to for resources such as scholarships. Since my relationships with my advisors are more family-like than business-like, it is super easy to reach out to them with any questions I might have.”

“My Japanese language classes are my favorite. They are fun and exciting, and since they are small, I get to know my professors better. The small class size also allows the professors to cater more to my individual learning needs inside and outside the classroom.”

“I am involved in two clubs on campus, Velocity and Japanese Club. Velocity is a student-run consulting firm on campus that helps businesses. The org focuses on potential business opportunities, marketing, branding ideas, and so much more. Japanese Club is just a fun club for those interested in the culture and history of Japan. I am currently the secretary for Japanese Club as well.”

“While my Japanese language classes are my favorite, they are also the toughest. Japanese is fun and exciting, but it is still a foreign language that is drastically different from English. Each lesson is a challenge and forces me to think, but they are good challenges that push me to be better.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to perform in a Japanese speech contest. It gave me a chance to practice talking in Japanese. Also, starting this year, the Japanese Department started a monthly newspaper, and I am one of the journalists. Every month, I get to write an article in both English and Japanese. This has given me an opportunity to practice translating, which will help me for my intended profession.”

“Carthage Activities Board bingo is definitely one of my favorite activities. Bingo at Carthage is a huge deal, and the games are always fun and lively. Another memory would be traveling to Mitsuwa with the Japanese Club. Mitsuwa is a Japanese Supermarket in Chicago.”

“My favorite spot on Campus is the grassy area around Kissing Rock. The lake view from there is absolutely gorgeous. Every time I walk to my classes, I always end up looking over at the lake and admiring the beautiful view.”

“The biggest surprise for me is how nice everyone is on campus. I really haven’t had a bad interaction with any faculty members or students. All of my professors have been nice and helpful, and people will hold the door for you nearly 100 percent of the time.”

“My 8-year old self would think I was absolutely insane right now. When I was eight, I wanted to be a marine biologist, and I had no interest in learning any foreign language. I also hated writing back then, and English was my worst subject. I would probably think that there was no way I could be a translator or writer. However, I absolutely love the career path I am heading in and am really excited for my future.”

“Japanese is a very hard but fun language to learn. If you are thinking of learning an Asian language, I highly recommend Japanese. The Japanese Department is a tight-knit, almost family-like group of students and faculty. Within this department, you not only learn the language, but you also learn the rich history and culture of Japan as well. If you do not make it a major, I highly recommend minoring in Japanese.”

“I grew up in a small town, and the idea of a 23,000+ student campus scared me. Carthage is a very comfortable 2,700-student campus. I also wanted to stay in Wisconsin, which left very few options for my intended major, Japanese. Carthage also has a great study abroad program, which I knew I would need for when I studied abroad in Japan.”