Stories
Ruth Justin
Meet Ruth
Spanish, B.S., NDSU
I am currently a full-time Sped Paraprofessional for the Moorhead School District. I assist students in achieving their IEP goals through the implementation of academic modifications and accommodations. In this role, I have also assisted with translation for Hispanic students and their families. In the summer, I'm a Spanish Camp Counselor at Concordia Language Villages El Lago del Bosque.
How did your time as a Spanish major prepare you for graduate school/career/life?
My time in NDSU's Spanish department helped me develop my interpersonal and professional skills, all in an incredibly fun environment. Cultural competency, for example. is a growing 21st-century skill that proves to be incredibly useful in any social career. Because of my time in this program, I am now prepared to interact with individuals of diverse backgrounds with understanding and respect. The study abroad program helped me open my mind to new perspectives as well as increased confidence and independence.
What advice would you give to someone considering a Spanish major?
I would recommend a Spanish major or minor to anyone who has an interest in helping others. By learning another language, especially one that has such prevalence in our community, you build more bridges to reach people of all backgrounds. Not only do foreign language skills assist your job market potential, but it also opens more doors internationally for travel and provides various cognitive benefits that will follow you far into life. If you are considering this pathway, don't hesitate to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you, and live life to the fullest.