Caitlin Mackesey

Address:
Madison, WI

Majors and certificates

French Major, Scandinavian Studies Major, Certificate in European Studies

Graduation year

2013

After graduation

After graduation I moved to France, where I taught English to French high school students in Marseille through the TAPIF program. I currently live in Madison and work at Literacy Network, a non-profit that focuses on goal-based learning to teach reading, writing and speaking skills to adults in Madison and Dane County.

Motivation

I've always enjoyed learning languages because of the mental challenge. I enjoy stepping into a different mindset, teasing out patterns and grammar puzzles.

How language enriched

Learning a new language opens up your life in a way that nothing else can. You learn to operate in a new linguistic and cultural environment. I used my language skills to travel and work abroad, but I also use my language skills everyday with community members here in Madison. I'm incredibly grateful that I can communicate with people from a variety of countries and backgrounds.

Favorite memory

In my language classes I met a lot of new people and made some lifelong friends. The interactive format, where students practice speaking with each other, really allows for team building and a sense of community. Valued experiences

How language was maintained

I've done my best to maintain my French and Swedish skills! They may have suffered a bit while I've been improving my Spanish. I use Spanish every day at work, and I've found that despite only taking two academic semesters, I can really get my point across if I don't worry too much about elegance.

Advice for others

Don't sweat the small stuff! Difficult pronunciation and grammar quirks will become habitual and easy if you relax and keep on communicating. It's okay to make mistakes-- in fact, most people will like you more for it. :)

Favorite word or phrase

Stackars liten! (Swedish-- Poor little you!)

Quote

Learning a new language opens up your life in a way that nothing else can.