Alumni Highlights
Elaine Wilburt ’91
Did you pursue a formal education after Middlebury? Yes
If, yes, where? Johns Hopkins - MA Creative Writing (did not complete)
Are you currently employed and if yes, where? No
Do you have an academic highlight from your time at Middlebury? I learned so much more than language skills during my time studying abroad: how to embrace new experiences, to interpret nonverbal cues, to relate to others, to listen, and to empathize. French culture still interests me. I occasionally read news and poetry, listen to music, view films, etc.
How has knowing a second language aided you in your life, personally or professionally? I have homeschooled my children, and I have taught or assisted them with French and Latin. In terms of job experience, I used skills learned from studying languages (perhaps not as directly as if I had pursued other opportunities) as a textbook editor and as a corporate and social justice educator. As a published poet and fiction writer, I also continue to use my curiosity and facility with language as well as my memories of studying abroad.
Any advice for current students studying French at Middlebury? Listen, read, and speak as much as you can. Trust yourself, and be confident that you can communicate. Nearly everyone I met and spoke with was helpful, encouraging, and supportive of any effort to communicate in their language. And likewise when I traveled to Italy and Germany as a student.
Trent Bonsall ’93
Did you pursue a formal education after Middlebury? Yes
If, yes, where? McGill University, Montreal — Master of Urban Planning
Are you currently employed and if yes, where? Not currently employed — just finished master’s degree
Do you have an academic highlight from your time at Middlebury? Definitely my year abroad in Paris
How has knowing a second language aided you in your life, personally or professionally? The answer to this question could be quite long, as French has played and continues to play a pivotal role in my life. Studying a foreign language and living abroad my junior year opened my eyes to the much bigger world that a boy from a Midwestern town who was the first to attend college in his family couldn’t even imagine existed. My initial time abroad piqued my interest in other cultures and languages, and drove me to seek further international adventures. French allowed me to work as a tour guide in France, which led me to meeting my life partner (who is French) and then living and working in France for 10 years, during which time I acquired French citizenship. Speaking French remained a valuable skill even when I moved away from France; my partner and I chose to immigrate to Canada to increase our career opportunities, and speaking French as well as English was a valuable skill. Being fluently bilingual as well as having extensive international work experience (and now three passports) allows me to offer a valuable skill set to potential employers, and also affords me tremendous mobility and numerous options for both my professional and personal life. In big and small ways, speaking French continues to influence and enrich my life.
Any advice for current students studying French at Middlebury? When possible, go and live the language. It’s only when you use the language on a daily basis, in the context where it is spoken, that you can fully understand and appreciate the language, since language is a door into the societies and cultures where it is used.
Blakeley Murrell-Liland ’93
Did you pursue a formal education after Middlebury? Yes
If, yes, where? Atlantic Veterinary College — DVM
Are you currently employed and if yes, where? Kedron Valley Veterinary Clinic, Woodstock, Vermont
Do you have an academic highlight from your time at Middlebury? My year in Paris!!
How has knowing a second language aided you in your life, personally or professionally? Speaking French has not given me an edge in the job market but I do use it when I travel to Montreal a few times a year; I have also used it when working with sled dog mushers who are French speaking (for the past three years I have worked as a veterinarian on a vet team for a sled dog race in northern Maine where many Quebecois come to race their dogs); in fact, this year I am headed to northern Quebec to work on the vet team of another sled dog race and I expect to be using my French a lot; my friend asked me to be on the vet team with her since I speak French. Even though I have chosen a career where I do not need to speak French, I love that I speak a second language and I use it whenever I have a chance!
Any advice for current students studying French at Middlebury? Plan to spend at least one semester abroad and, if possible, an entire year!
Renée Shellhaas ’97
Did you pursue a formal education after Middlebury? Yes
If, yes, where? University of Michigan Medical School
Are you currently employed and if yes, where? I am currently the associate chair for career development at the University of Michigan Department of Pediatrics. I am a child neurologist and study newborn brain function and infant seizures.
Do you have an academic highlight from your time at Middlebury? My three favorite French experiences: Poésie & Peinture (amazing class!), Senior Seminar (wonderful challenge with fantastic students), and a chance to study (en Français) ecology and conservation in Madagascar!
Also meaningful for me at Middlebury: playing the chapel organ and carillon nearly every day; my senior thesis experience in biology.
How has knowing a second language aided you in your life, personally or professionally? Knowing a second language opens doors. As a Middlebury student, for me, this meant the opportunity to study ecology in French-speaking Madagascar, and to meet students with a wide variety of interests and talents. As a doctor, my education as a bilingual person helps me to have an appreciation of people with a range of backgrounds and sometimes to speak with them in French (like I did occasionally as a resident physician caring for children in the Haitian community in Philadelphia).
Today, I admit my French is rusty. Still, it comes back quickly (e.g., on a work-related, prepandemic trip to Paris) and is an important part of my identity. Just don’t ask me to teach the plus-que-parfait to my kids (I tried, and I’m a terrible French teacher!).
Any advice for current students studying French at Middlebury? You have a wonderful opportunity, as a multilingual young person, to use language as a tool to explore cultures. A deep understanding of language, history, art, and culture will serve you well in any field!
Zachary Wyman-Davis ’03, MA’04
Did you pursue a formal education after Middlebury? Yes
If, yes, where? MBA, Institute of Education, University College London (UCL)
Are you currently employed and if yes, where? After completing my MA and two years of experience teaching at the Paris branch of Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, I created the Why Connection, a guidance counseling and university admissions advisory firm, in 2008.
Do you have an academic highlight from your time at Middlebury? Before I stepped onto the Middlebury campus, my level of French was quite low. From the first time I went au Château, I knew I had entered a new milieu and the course of my learning and life would change forever. Passionate professors, two summers at that French School, and a year in Paris left me smitten and certain of only one thing: I wanted to spend the rest of my life in France. It’s been over 20 years now. Today, through the Why Connection, I help European students discover what makes them most curious and define personalized study projects that take them to countries across the globe. Through my professional activities, I encourage them to open doors to other cultures and worldviews, just as I was able to do thanks to the wonderful opportunities my Middlebury education offered me.
How has knowing a second language aided you in your life, personally or professionally? A number of other professionals work with students from France and wider Europe, but few master French as well as I do thanks to the Middlebury Language Pledge and the top-notch education I received in Vermont and France. This has helped me establish close ties with students and their families. Our initial meetings are always held in French so they can express themselves in the most natural and comfortable way. Speaking and writing French well has definitely played a pivotal role in my ability to provide tailored services.
Any advice for current students studying French at Middlebury? Spend a full year abroad if you can! A semester is too short to truly make enough progress. Read widely in French and do your best to plug into the nearby Québecois community. Montréal is not that far away! And definitely attend the Language Tables, too.
Nemanja Tepavcevic ’10
Did you pursue a formal education after Middlebury? Yes
If, yes, where? MPhil in European Politics and Society, University of Oxford, UK
Are you currently employed and if yes, where? United Nations, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
Do you have an academic highlight from your time at Middlebury? One of the highlights from my years at Middlebury that I remember fondly is taking a political science class in French and completing a year abroad at Sciences Po in Paris, taught entirely in French. I am forever grateful to my French professors and teaching assistants at Middlebury who enabled me to become fluent in that language in a matter of a few years.
How has knowing a second language aided you in your life, personally or professionally? French was the third foreign language I learned and I started from scratch at Middlebury. It has definitely enriched my professional experience, as I used it in my previous work for the European Union and then at the United Nations. More importantly, it has helped me create long-lasting friendships with Francophones around the world.
Any advice for current students studying French at Middlebury? I would emphasize one key aspect: perseverance. Stay committed, keep practicing and rest assured that you are in the best hands when it comes to learning a foreign language at Middlebury.
Jordan Holliday ’12
Did you pursue a formal education after Middlebury? Yes
If, yes, where? MSU CHM, Doctor of Medicine
Do you have an academic highlight from your time at Middlebury? My fondest memories at Middlebury were taking classes in the Château. I learned so much about the French school system from Professor Deltour. Another highlight was of course getting a chance to study abroad in Paris studying art history at the Sorbonne.
How has knowing a second language aided you in your life, personally or professionally? I continue to use my French with patients in the hospitals that I work at. Being able to converse with them in their native language has helped immensely.
Any advice for current students studying French at Middlebury? Take advantage of the opportunities that Middlebury offers to you to speak the language. Even if it feels awkward at first, go to the Language Tables often. Make use of the study abroad opportunities that Middlebury provides. You never know where it may lead you.
Audrey Tolbert ’13
Did you pursue a formal education after Middlebury? No.
Are you currently employed and if yes, where? For a video game startup: Poki.
Do you have an academic highlight from your time at Middlebury? Studying abroad in France and Italy as well as winning the Book Prize for my thesis in art history.
How has knowing a second language aided you in your life, personally or professionally? I now live in Amsterdam and have become fluent in Dutch. Although I don’t use French on a day-to-day basis, the confidence and problem-solving skills that learning a second language gave me have made the transition to living in a different country and culture so much easier and more enjoyable! Also I’m just a short drive away from Belgium and France and get to visit quite often!
Any advice for current students studying French at Middlebury? Go abroad! Even if you won’t use the language years later, the experience and lessons you’ll learn are priceless!
AnnaClare Smith ’16
Did you pursue a formal education after Middlebury? Yes
If, yes, where? Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University — MBA
Do you have an academic highlight from your time at Middlebury? The highlight of my Middlebury experience was absolutely my semester in Paris. Although arguably my most challenging semester, the challenge was beyond worth it. Forcing myself out of my comfort zone by living with host parents and taking classes with other French students pushed me in ways that I’m still grateful for. It also solidified my French language skills in ways that I didn’t anticipate. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
How has knowing a second language aided you in your life, personally or professionally? Although I’ve yet to work in French (or in France), I still try to use French on a daily basis. I try to listen to a French podcast every day and I strive to watch my Netflix in French. I also have been able to take French classes again at Northwestern as a graduate student. I miss it!
I am also working toward my goal of working abroad. I will be working in consulting and will use my French to transfer to the Paris office. I know it will be hard, but Middlebury prepared me!
Any advice for current students studying French at Middlebury? Keep up with your French after Middlebury! I greatly miss taking French classes and my ability to engage with French on a daily basis, whether through conversation, readings, or simply hearing French in the classroom. After graduating, I changed my Netflix into French and listened to a French news podcast every day. It helped keep the familiarity with the language, so I still feel pretty confident in my abilities. Find accountability partners to keep you motivated to listen to French and watch your TV in French!
Also, if you have the opportunity to pursue an additional degree, see if you can enroll in a French class! I’m getting my MBA, and I’ve taken two classes with undergrads. It’s been very challenging to write French papers again, but it will surprise you just how quickly it comes back.
David Hogan ’17
Did you pursue a formal education after Middlebury? Yes
If, yes, where? Harvard Law School (Law)
Are you currently employed and if yes, where? No (Law student)
Do you have an academic highlight from your time at Middlebury?
How has knowing a second language aided you in your life, personally or professionally? Malheureusement, je ne parle pas français tres souvent. C’est possible que je l’utiliserai pour le travail dans le future, mais je ne sais pas.
Any advice for current students studying French at Middlebury? Trouvez des amis avec qui vous pouvez parler français!