Texas Tech University

Jane Ann Watson

Texas Tech Student of Integrated Scholarship

Jane Ann WatsonThere is an opportunity for you around every corner. It was unexpected when I came here; I was so unaware of what this University could offer me. Texas Tech gave me the opportunity to do what I love.

French,
College of Arts and Sciences

French senior Jane Ann Watson began her college career studying geophysics. Yet her interest in the sciences could not compare to the admiration she held for the French language and culture. Watson had studied abroad in France during her senior year of high school, and the experience strengthened her language skills and broadened her worldview. She later changed her major to French, reimmersing herself in the subject and then returning to France to study abroad, this time as an undergraduate. As president of the TTU French Club, Watson helps to strengthen interest in the university's French program and promote an appreciation for the language through community events.

Learn more about Student of Integrated Scholarship Jane Ann Watson in this question-and-answer session.

What got you interested in your major?

I am French major with a minor in sociology, currently enrolled as a senior. I love French, the language and culture. I spent my senior year in high school abroad in France and just became obsessed. I started out at Texas Tech in geophysics. Even though I love math and science, I didn't want a career based solely on that. I wanted to speak French and observe different aspects of the culture frequently. While my career might not give me that opportunity, at least I will have a chance to utilize what I love as long as possible.

What courses are you taking this semester? Do any of these involve service learning?

I am taking five courses this semester: political science, The Sociology of Marriage, Gendered Lives, Personal Finance, and French Civilization (independent study).

What is the most challenging course you've taken? How has it affected you?

The most challenging course I have taken was Earth materials. That class made me realize I didn't want to be a geophysicist. I couldn't wrap my head around the course. I believe and know that the course was made to be challenging and perhaps served as the so-called "weed out" course that occurs in many majors. That's exactly what it did for me. And I am so happy that it did.

What service projects (volunteering, community service, etc.) have you been involved in?

I used to be in a sorority, through which I did community service. But since then, I do community service through French Club. French Club is not actually limited to Texas Tech students. We invite the Lubbock community to join us, as well. There are actually several members of the Lubbock community that participate in our organization.

What advice would you give to other students who would like to be a Student of Integrated Scholarship? Students of Integrated Scholarship balance academics with additional activities, such as research, internships, service learning, and study abroad.

Get out there and get involved, but do it wisely. Make sure you love what you are doing, and make sure that you wholly believe in either the organization or research that you are participating in.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I would like to further my education. Since I am graduating in the fall and most schools do not accept spring applicants, I think I may take that semester for an internship abroad. My career goal is to be able to utilize my French and be able to think critically. I hope that whatever job I get in the future I am able to use these both. There is no set path for a French major, so I will just have to wait and see where the path is going to take me.

What experiences do you value most as a student at Texas Tech?

The opportunities—there is an opportunity for you around every corner, especially in leadership. There is an opportunity for every kind of career imaginable. There are opportunities for aid, planning, and success. It was unexpected when I came here; I was so unaware of what this university could offer me. Texas Tech gave me the opportunity to do what I love.

 

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