Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Sandy Creek students get a lesson in international business

Foreign language students at Sandy Creek High learned about the real world importance of speaking a second language from executives representing some the nation’s top businesses.

Presenters representing local companies such as Porsche (Atlanta), Panasonic (Peachtree City) and Wilden Plastics (Peachtree City) highlighted how knowing another language is advantageous in the business world and how it can open doors to profitable job opportunities. They encouraged students to continue their foreign language studies beyond high school not only for job success, but also for their own personal fulfillment.

After hearing the presenters talk about how they use multiple languages in the business setting, students say they have a new appreciation for their foreign language classes at Sandy Creek.

“It made it seem like we’re taking foreign language for a reason instead of forgetting it as soon as we walk out the door,” says sophomore Cuyler Repine.

Fellow classmate and junior Melissa Wheeler agrees and says the presentation has caused her to look at her foreign language class in a different light.

“I think the speakers were very impressive. They’re obviously successful and that gives me new encouragement to focus on my foreign language skills,” she says.

Bill Bryan, foreign language teacher, organized the event in celebration of Foreign Language Week, March 1-5. He says he wants students to understand that if they study their foreign language and learn to think multinational that they will lead far more interesting lives. He says he thinks the presenters were successful at communicating that message to students.

“Those presenters did more convincing in two hours than I can do in two years. You have to know that those people work in a pressure cooker because big business is so competitive. But every one of them seems to love their job. This was a good concept for an event but the execution by our guest speakers made it a great event,” Bryan adds.

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