1. It just takes one...
One Profesora de Español...
Señora Carrie Carman-Jewers opens the world for students. Megan Fields, a sophomore
intended Nursing student, describes just how Ms. Carman-Jewers does that:
“I would like to say that the person that has influenced me most is Senora Carrie
Carman-Jewers. Her personality and teaching is so enthusiastic that it encourages
students to come to class on the most of unwanted days like when it's raining like a
monsoon outside, or even on Friday afternoons. I am amazed at
the passion she has to help her students learn, understand, and
live the material every day. And her interaction with us is
amazing because she always encourages questions, breaks
down things into the simplest explanations, and throws in jokes
to keep the class going. I also love the material that she
Profesora Carrie Carman-Jewers introduces to the class. I discovered a world of diverse culture as
(left) and student Megan Fields
(right) Opening the world well as immense poverty while studying in her class. My study on
'La Guerra' of El Salvador and other countries made me aware of
the poverty-stricken, yet hope-filled people of Latin American countries affected by
horrible civil wars. It brought out so many realizations of the great conditions in which
Americans live. In her class, I felt as though I was really Hispanic and that's one of the
reasons I continued in this pathway. Overall, I love her personality and her smile just
lights up the room! Es una profesora muy hermosa, talentosa y dedicada de toda la
universidad de East Carolina!” Thank-you Señora Carman-Jewers for being the ONE.
Did You Know?
That although enrollment in foreign language courses has increased at ECU, we lag
behind our peer institutions. In a recent National Survey of Student Engagement
(NSEE), ECU scored some of the lowest scores in students’ “completing foreign
language coursework” and “had a study abroad experience.” Scoring low in these
areas indicates that we at ECU need to do more in communicating to students the
importance of understanding a second language.
What You Can Do...
• Educate students about the value of understanding a second language which includes:
1 - Increased cognitive abilities, both written and oral
2 - Understanding other cultures and enhanced understanding of oneself and
one’s own culture
3 - Enjoyment of foreign travel, culture, and international friendships
4 - Additional career opportunities by becoming globally employable
5 - Increased opportunities for graduate school
• Encourage students to take a foreign language.
• Talk with students concerning study abroad options and benefits.
More more information concerning the benefits of a Second Language:
Benefits of Second Language Study:
www.ncssfl.org/papers/BenefitsSecondLanguageStudyNEA.pdf
Cognitive Benefits of Learning Language:
www.actfl.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4724
Benefits of Language Learning:
www.actfl.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3651
Jayne Geissler, PhD
Executive Director, Retention Programs and Enrollment Services
...to make a difference in a student’s life.
Each of us owns this responsibility.