The Academy hosted its annual World Languages Forum in January with teachers and guests speaking to students about the importance of learning foreign languages and the benefits that languages offer.

Chinese language teacher, Lingli Zhang-Micco, said, “The goal of the forum was to emphasize the importance of learning a second language and I think we succeeded because many of the lower level language students have become more motivated and willing to learn the language seriously. When one learns a language, one also learns about the culture and the people. It opens people’s minds and makes them more knowledgeable about the world around them.”

Senior Aimy Ung said, “I really liked this year’s panel because I felt they went more into detail. Because they connected their uses of the language with personal experience, I was able to better understand how knowing a second language can be useful. It opens more opportunities and doors for people, especially allows them to become more competitive in the job market.”

Freshman Leeona Domingo agreed. “The forum was cool. I got to learn about others’ experiences and I found that really interesting. I also learned how it was beneficial for college, which is important to me. I hope to continue taking Japanese and eventually learn a second foreign language, Chinese.”

Sophomore Cameron Pires said, “I thought it was helpful because they motivated me to try harder in the language that I am learning. I want to better learn the language so that I can use it in the real world.”

This was the fourth year the Academy has sponsored the forum.