Student Profile: Nina Beckmann
Nina Beckmann was drawn to learning German because of her heritage. After traveling to Stuttgart after high school as an exchange student, she knew she wanted to continue her study.
“I have a strong German heritage and always wanted to speak German like my father and grandfather,” the sophomore says. “So my family hosted a few German exchange students at my request, and eventually I became an exchange student myself. I lived there for a year near Stuttgart, and it was a huge turning point in my life, as well as an amazing year.”
Beckmann, a double major in international business and German and a minor in Spanish, hopes her study of language helps a little toward the goal of world peace by making her aware of other cultures.
“Nothing gives you a broader outlook in life than being bi-cultural,” she says. “Studying abroad is the best thing I have done for myself as a person and for the roundness of my education.”
She plans to continue studying abroad and is hoping to have an internship in Germany for a semester, as well as study in Peru for a semester.
“In the future, I hope to head up either the German branch of an American corporation, or the American branch of a German corporation,” she says.
In addition to her studies, Beckman is involved in the German Club, International Club, Chapel, Alma College Christian Leadership, the Center for Responsible Leadership, and Students In Free Enterprise. She also works at the switchboard.
