Jingying Ye
English Major: Language Concentration
Besides your current classes, what else are you doing or have you done that we should know about? Awards? Special projects? Travel? Service work?
I am a part-time teacher at the Confucius Institute at CSU! My students are age six to eight. When they came into the classroom with smiling faces, I recognized that being a teacher provides me with a continuous sense of accomplishment.
What inspired you to get a degree in English? Why CSU? How did you choose your concentration?
When I was a freshman in college, I majored in Japanese. However, I realized soon that English, with its status as the lingua franca, can help me to embrace a more diverse world. Seeking a degree in English is a comprehensive process that involves the study of literature, linguistics, society, and culture as well, and they make a person a person. I am interested in Second Language Acquisition theories, so I chose the Language as my concentration. Although the Education concentration also covers these theories, the Language concentration does more cross-language studies, which is one of my favorite topics.
We are always trying to debunk the myth that the ONLY options for an English major are to become a writer, teacher, or work in publishing. What sort of possibility, potential do you see for yourself as an English major?
English majors can literally do anything! I already know many successful English majors who work as a banker, an accountant, or even a chef. Don’t frame yourselves and just go ahead! Well, to be honest, I personally somehow fit into the so-called myth. My career goal for the future is to be a bilingual teacher (Chinese plus English). I’ve found that bilingual classrooms and immersion programs are two of the popular educational trends in our society. I believe that my concentration in language will definitely help me achieve my goals.
Knowing what you do about it, how would you describe the CSU English department to someone?
The English department has five concentrations: Creative Writing, English Education, Literature, Language, and Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy. You can find your interest and explore anything! The faculty in our department are all amazingly warm-hearted and know their stuff well.
Why do you think the humanities are important?
Because humanities reveal how people have tried to make moral, spiritual and intellectual sense of the world! After studying humanities, we can think more creatively. Isn’t that amazing?
What would you like to tell prospective CSU English Department students?
Please, please, please do pay attention to your mental health. If you are not confident of your academic performance, talk to your professors, your advisor, or someone that can help you. The counseling service at the Health Center is always there for you. I understand that life in college isn’t easy, but try your best and be confident because you are priceless.
What advice do you have for current CSU English Department students?
Making full use of the resources at CSU may help you succeed. I recently found a place called the Center for Educator Preparation (CEP) in our school. They helped me a lot with my preparation for getting a teachers’ license. I believe that many organizations in our school are willing to help you to realize your career goals, to answer your questions, and to make you successful!
What was the last piece of writing you read or wrote? OR, What are you currently reading, writing?
My last piece of writing is a literature review about “the Love Song of J. Alfred. Prufrock.”
I am reading some journal articles about the Accusative Case “o” in Japanese.
What are your hobbies or special interests, what do you enjoy doing with your free time?
I enjoy cooking and playing card games with my friends. Watching Japanese animation is something I usually do to kill my time during vacations.
Where will we find you in five years?
Maybe in a bilingual classroom in Texas, or in the backyard of my house. I might be giving instructions on Chinese characters or watering the roses with my daughter.