March 2021
Since her childhood, Jennifer Hughes has been passionate about languages. Beginning with French through school, Spanish soon followed as it helped connect Jennifer to her Peruvian heritage. As a student at U of T Mississauga, Jennifer has continued to explore her love of languages with the added study of Italian. Jennifer notes “What I loved about learning these languages was that it gave me the opportunity to communicate with many more people and it gave me a better understanding of the world around me.”
When Jennifer learned of the opportunities in language studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga, she knew she wanted to be a part of its amazing community. With aspirations of becoming a language teacher, the Language Teaching and Learning specialist program fit perfectly with her academic goals combining her love of languages and teaching. “In my opinion, language learning is about much more than just learning vocabulary and grammar, it opens learners’ minds to a new culture, way of life and the people who speak that language… Living in a multicultural country, I would like to pass on not only a love of languages to future students, but also an appreciation of diversity and acceptance within the classroom, and the world as a whole.”
| Immersing herself in an array of academic and extra-curricular experiences at UTM, Jennifer has met students and professors who all have unique stories and experiences shaped by their love for languages. Drawing inspiration from her peers, Jennifer has discovered the study of languages is a journey through which she learns about herself and her own cultural roots. “Making connections with others and learning about their experiences with language learning has become an inspiration for myself, to embrace my cultural roots, the journey of language learning throughout my life and to determine how it defines my identity.” |
"Language learning is about much more than just learning vocabulary and grammar, it opens learners’ minds to a new culture, way of life and the people who speak that language." |
Jennifer’s efforts in language studies were recognized with her receipt of the 2020-21 Sharp Electronics of Canada Limited Scholarship in Italian Studies. Awarded to outstanding students who have completed an upper-year Italian language course. Jennifer was thankful to have been selected for the award, noting “By supporting UTM students, donors help contribute to each of our stories, it is something that motivates us and it helps us realize that we should celebrate our achievements no matter how big or small they may be.”