Simone Worthy ’15, a Chinese major with minors in economics and government from Stockbridge, Ga., has been awarded the Critical Language Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State. The highly competitive national scholarship will fund Worthy’s participation in an intensive, eight-week Chinese language living and learning experience, including a home stay, in Beijing, China. She left the U.S. on June 19.
“I love languages, and I think it’s important to be a global citizen and to understand other people through their language and culture,” says Worthy, who will complete requirements for graduation in August and plans to study international trade and law.
It’s that attitude and a tireless work ethic, says Dr. Yongfang Zhang, assistant professor of Chinese, that helped make Worthy an excellent candidate for the CLS.
“Chinese can open so many doors, but students must be at a high level of proficiency to take advantage of that. With her extensive study and commitment to excellence, Simone has put herself in a position to succeed,” says Zhang.
Worthy spent a semester abroad in China and a summer in the Middlebury Chinese Language School. She also helped with Wofford’s STARTALK summer Chinese language program for pre-college students. In addition, she has studied Spanish for five years.
Worthy is the second student in the college’s Chinese program to receive this scholarship. WestLee Parker ’16, won the scholarship and spent eight weeks in China during the summer of 2014.
by Kelsey Aylor ’17