MA in Foreign Languages

Claudia Webb, 2025

As a master's student in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, I really enjoyed the classroom environment. My classmates and professors brought a rich background of experiences and expertise that I benefited from tremendously. I graduated in the Spring of 2025, and I am excited to continue being a part of George Mason as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages.  

What was your specific area of study and how did you choose it?  

My specific area of study was foreign language with concentration in Spanish bilingual and multicultural education. My personal life experiences helped shape my master's work. Originally from Colombia, I moved to the United States in 2010 and learned to speak English as an adult. I am now married with two children who I am passionate about raising in a bilingual/bicultural family. During my studies at George Mason, I gained a deeper understanding of how language and culture significantly impact a person's identity. I am fascinated by this topic and believe that others can greatly benefit from an education that takes into account the academic needs of the individual in terms of language and culture.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

The educational opportunities within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences gave me a much broader perspective on what is possible. Whether working as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), observing public school classrooms or participating in graduate class discussions, the university deepened my understanding of how bilingual speakers learn. These experiences taught me how to create a classroom that enables students to feel a sense of belonging and connect with the language and the culture.

Which accomplishments during your time at George Mason are you most proud of?

I'm proud to have been a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. This opportunity deepened my learning through conversations with professors and practical application experience in the classroom. I am also proud to have received the Excellence in Spanish Graduate Studies and Spanish Heritage Language Education awards in Spring 2025. Spanish language learning has truly inspired me, and I hope to make a meaningful impact in my community.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your George Mason career? 

All of my teachers truly inspired me. I can proudly say that each one of them made an impact on my education. I am deeply grateful for their generosity, commitment and passion for teaching. Their work seeks to make our bilingual students visible and to prioritize their academic needs.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

Graduate education can feel overwhelming in the beginning. It is very rewarding, however, and the reward is much more than a degree. Discussions with classmates and professors broaden your perspective, expose you to diverse experiences and allow you to grow as a person. As someone changing careers midlife, I was definitely nervous at first. My great professors and classmates were critical in building my confidence and embracing my learning journey.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I am excited to start my professional teaching career as part of the George Mason faculty in the Spanish language program. In the future, I will continue to explore opportunities to teach and promote Spanish heritage language classes.