Louisa Weindruch

Major: Biology / Health & Society
Minor: French
Graduation Year: 2017

“My name is Louisa Weindruch. I’m from Washington, D.C. and I chose to major in Biology and Health & Society with a minor in French. I am currently a medical scribe in the Emergency Department at Parkland Hospital, and I plan to apply to medical school."

Why did you choose to major/minor in a World Language? 
I chose to minor in French because as a biology major, having a well-rounded liberal arts education was very important to me. I had had great experiences with the lower-level French classes at SMU, and I also had always dreamed of studying abroad in Paris.

How do you think studying a foreign language helped to prepare you for your career?
By studying French, I was able to have so many unique experiences relating to healthcare that have prepared me for my career. While studying abroad in Paris, I worked in a research lab studying digestive cancers. Back at SMU, I completed an independent study to take the DFP Médical, a professional exam which certifies my knowledge of French in healthcare settings. Lastly, studying French greatly improved my communication skills and cultural competency, both of which are critical for a healthcare professional.

What advice do you have for other students thinking about majoring or minoring in a foreign language?
Absolutely do it! I never would’ve imagined that I would have had the experiences I did as an undergrad, and it is all because I decided to minor in French. If I could change one thing about my college career, I would’ve made time in my schedule to turn my French minor into a French major.