Catherine Simpson

1. Please state your full name, your home university and area of study?
Catherine A. Simpson, University of Mississippi, Biology and Arabic
2. Why study Arabic?
Languages build a bridge of understanding between people. I’ve always been interested in this quality of
language learning, but being from Mississippi means that much of my exposure to other cultures and
languages is often limited to media, and rarely ever in real life. College was my opportunity to expand
beyond the small world that I knew, and even though I remained in-state for my studies, my university
offered several language programs. At the time, I recognized my ignorance of the Arabic language and Arab
cultures as a deficiency which could be best remedied through the Arabic Flagship program. I not only
learned Arabic within the confines of a Mississippi classroom, but I also studied abroad and saw a part of the
world my younger self could scarcely imagine whilst befriending a great number of people from many
different walks of life. As my studies progressed this initial curiosity of mine developed into a deep love of
the language and appreciation of Arab cultures.
3. Why participate in the Flagship program?
I chose to participate in the Flagship program because it pushes its students beyond the rigid curriculum of
an average language lecture series and into an interactive and immersive language experience which
emphasizes the active role of students in their education. I believe this program understands how to
effectively teach languages on an accelerated track, and that it pushes each of its students towards
excellence.
4. What are you looking forward to the most during your Capstone year in Meknes?
I’m looking forward to exploring a new country, making new friends, and raising my Arabic level to superior
or higher.
5. What are your future goals and how does this experience fit in to them?
In the future I want to work as a doctor and volunteer for Doctors Without Borders in the Middle East. This
capstone experience will deepen my understanding of the Arabic language’s various dialects, and develop
the communication abilities I need to talk with patients and colleagues in the future.
6. What advice would you give to future Flagship students?
Sometimes learning another language can feel impersonal, but it’s crucial to never forget that at the heart of
language learning is a desire to connect with and understand other people. Anytime you find yourself
frustrated over technical grammar homework in a book, remember one day that book will be another person
you want to talk to and suddenly all the many lessons and experiences of Flagship will have prepared you for
this moment.
7. Share something fun and interesting about yourself.
When I’m stressed I bake cheesecake. I also used to do research in a microbiology lab.