About the Pathways Project

The Pathways Project, an initiative from the Department of World Languages at Boise State University, is a collaborative network of open educational resources (OER) including instructional language teaching materials and professional development created by and uniquely for Idaho’s K-16 language teachers and students.

Teachers and students participating in the Pathways Project come from different fields of study and schools across Idaho to create open (i.e., free), digital activities that support the teaching and learning of foreign languages and promote intercultural competence. We hope to impact the opportunities learners have to connect to the global world!

Support the Pathways Project

Students and faculty involved in the Pathways Project work together to create high-quality open educational resources (OER) for Idaho’s K-16 language classrooms. The activities, professional development, and other materials developed by the project are freely available to language instructors and students worldwide!

Your investment supports hiring undergraduate and graduate students who help to design and create OER and free/low-cost professional development for K-16 language instructors. It is because of you that we’re able to make such an impact on the lives of many students, our community, and beyond.

Give to the Pathways Project

This link will take you to a direct page to give to the Pathways Project. Under designated funding source, “Pathways Project” should appear.  If you do not see this as the designated source, please use the search button at the bottom of the page to search for “Pathways Project.” 

Meet the Pathways Project Team

Student Team Members (Listed alphabetically by first name)

This collection of activities would not be possible without the efforts of our student OER editors and conversation assistants! We invite you to learn more about present and past members of the Pathways team in this section.

Note: The World Languages Resource Center (WLRC) at Boise State University is the hub for Pathways Project team members.

(Listed alphabetically by first name)

Abby Cain
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, and Lab Desk Assistant
Spanish Secondary Education Major
Language: Spanish

What are you up to now?
Teaching middle school Spanish in the West Ada School District in Boise, Idaho.

“Working at the WLRC throughout college prepared me so well for a career in education and gave me lifelong friendships I will always cherish.“

Abby Daniels
OER Editor
Global Studies Major, Korean Studies Minor
Language: Korean

“Working with the WLRC has inspired me and kept me inspired to learn Korean even when it is difficult because everyone that works here is so passionate about language learning.”

Anna Gamino
Conversation Assistant 
English Major (Linguistics Emphasis), Arabic Studies Minor, Elementary and Intermediate Certificates in Arabic, French, and Spanish
Language: Arabic, French, Spanish

Annika Henderson
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant 
German and Global Studies Major, Arabic Studies Minor
Languages: Arabic, German

“I love the community of learners at the WLRC. We are all language learners, we share a similar passion, and we are passionate about helping others and forming a better global relationship.”

 

Antoine Abjean
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Mechanical Engineering Major, Industrial Engineering Minor
Language: French

What are you up to now?
I am working in a career of project management and project engineering.

“[Working in the WLRC] was a great experience for me throughout, allowing me to grow in social aspects as well as develop my creativity.”

Armilene Cabreros
Conversation Assistant
Communications Major, ASL & Ethnic Studies Minor
Languages: ASL, Tagalog

“I’m excited to be working here, because it allows me to gain experience for my future career, in the future I hope to be teaching secondary education in ASL. I also love being able to work here, because it allows for me to be able to share my love for this language with others!”

Ashlyn Nutting
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Spanish and Linguistics Double Major, Global Studies Minor
Language: Spanish

“The WRLC has been an integral part of my academic career as a Spanish major, and I’m excited to contribute to other students’ experiences by joining the conversation assistant team. I also think that language learning in general is awesome, and I’m really looking forward to helping to make it more accessible and available by creating free resources for educators.”

Ashley Hutchinson
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Global Studies Major (World Culture Emphasis), American Sign Language Minor
Languages: English, ASL, and Japanese

“I am excited to be a part of the WLRC because I am eager for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with other BSU students while improving my skills at the same time!! I plan on doing graduate school in Japan and am considering pursuing a teaching job, so I think this is great preparation! “

Ashley Johnson
OER Editor, Team Lead Assistant
Strategic Communications Major, German Minor
Language: German

“My time spent here at the WLRC has been amazing. I have loved working in such a positive and diverse environment. Working on OER and Pressbooks has been a fulfilling process and I am so excited that we get to share it with all of you 🙂 “

Audra Dooley
Conversation Assistant
Kinesiology Major, ASL Minor
Language: ASL

“I have loved learning ASL and think that learning any language should be accessible to everyone. Learnings other languages is so important to be able to make communication easier and it should not be expensive to learn. “

Berty Nlemvo
Conversation Assistant
International Business Major, Marketing and French Minor
Language: French, Lari

I’m excited to be working here because I think it is a great experience to have. I think doing this so far has taught me that it is one thing to speak the languages and another thing to explain it. I’m learning new skills and excited to learn more!””

Blake Simony
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Communications and Spanish Double Major, Psychology Minor
Language: Spanish

What are you up to now?
I work at a non-profit organization that helps Colorado residents and businesses find the best health insurance options for themselves. I do communications and marketing: writing technical documents, copywriting for the website, and assisting with internal communications.

“These conversation activities helped build language skills with the students I worked with, but they also improved my own Spanish proficiency and made me a better conversationalist.”

Brooke Staszkow
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor
Spanish Secondary Education Major with English Teaching Endorsement
Language: Spanish

Bree Manchester
Conversation Assistant
English Teaching Major, Japanese Studies Minor
Language: Japanese

“I personally love learning languages, and I love having the opportunity to experience art and culture outside of the small world I’ve grown up in. I’m excited to share these resources for students that want to expand their world the same way I did.”

Brenna McNeil
OER Editor
German Secondary Education Major, Global Studies Minor
Language: German

“[The WLRC is the] best group of people I have worked with! It is always so fun to get to share our love of languages together!”

Camille Daw
OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
History Major
Language: German

What are you up to now?
Currently I am focusing on my M.A. in Public History at Boise State. I am in the process of curating an exhibit on the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II to be displayed in the Albertson’s Library and I work at the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

“I started in the WLRC as one of the earliest OER editors. Working alongside the team, everyone contributed so many ideas and input on this project. The e-books would not be where they are today without the hard work that everyone has put in over the years. Working at the WLRC was an amazing experience that exposed me to so many different languages, cultures, and ways to learn about these languages and cultures.“

Cassy Ponga
Conversation Assistant
Molecular Biology Major with Biomed emphasis (pre-dental)
Language: French

What are you up to now?
I’m still an International student at Boise State, Junior standing and will apply for dental school in the Spring of 2022. I’m also a first year Resident Assistant (RA).

“It was really nice to connect and have conversations with people that are willing to learn more about another culture. I think having a conversation lab assistant allows students to become more confident, involved and accelerates their learning process.”

Chinatsu Kaneko
Conversation Assistant
Sustainability Studies Major
Languages: Japanese and French a bit

“I know learning a new language is a hard thing because I am learning too. I want to help students who study Japanese and Japanese is a less commonly taught language so I want to be a part of promoting Japanese here. Also I am doing a similar thing (conversation assistant) in my university for international students, so I like to do this kind of thing!! Tt’s interesting that I can know what students have interest in about Japan.”

Chloe Pampush
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Graphic Design Major, German Minor
Language: German

What are you up to now?
I am working as a WordPress Developer at a local marketing agency.

“I loved working at the WLRC! I built life-long friendships, was able to contribute to a larger cause, and developed leadership skills that are helping me to this day!”

Chloe Robinson
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Spanish and Health Sciences Double Major
Language: Spanish

What are you up to now?
Continuing my studies at Boise State!

Claire Oberg
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
Dual Elementary Education and Special Education Major, ASL Minor
Language: ASL

What are you up to now?
4th grade public school teacher

“Working at the WLRC for almost three years provided me with so much exposure to different cultures and languages. It provided me with a community of diverse people where we all came together to create conversation activities for Boise State language students but with the goal to support other language learners and teachers from all over!”

Claire Werlin
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Elementary Education Major
Language: ASL

What are you up to now?
I am about to finish up my MEd through Boise State! After graduating, I will be pursuing a Kindergarten teaching position (hopefully at a bi-lingual school)!

“I look back so fondly on my time at the WLRC! It was such a valuable experience for me to develop my Spanish language skills and connect with others. I also loved working with such amazing coworkers!”

Collin Dauenhauer
Conversation Assistant
History Major, ASL Minor

I’m excited to be working here because I think it will be great experience for my future career which is hopefully teaching history and ASL! So this will prepare me to create activities for ASL and history in a sense. And it’s also great to be working with such cool people!

Cora Lytle
OER Editor
International Business major, Japanese Studies Minor
Language: Japanese

“Some of my best academic experiences have been facilitated by language learning programs and alongside fellow language learners. Creating accessible and easy to use educational resources is so exciting because language builds community!” 

Daum Jung
OER Editor, Conversation Assistant
Nursing Major
Language: Korean

Daniela Toledo
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
International Business Major, Entrepreneurship Minor
Language: Spanish

“I am excited to be a part of the WLRC because I love teaching other students my mother tongue, and having fun while learning a new language. I also like being part of the WLRC team and creating an impact by providing free language activities for K-16 teachers. I am learning a lot when I prepare for my labs about different Latin American cultures, similarities, and differences, and I know the knowledge I am developing is going to be helpful for my professional journey after I graduate.”

Danielle Snyder
OER Editor
Psychology Major, Spanish Minor
Language: Spanish

Deana Nassans
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Accounting and International Business Double Major, Japanese Studies Minor
Language: Japanese

What are you up to now?
I am currently working in San Jose as a tax accountant at one of the Big 4 accounting firms. I handle tax returns for Japanese expats who come to the US on assignments. I usually spend the weekends hanging out with my dog Buddy Boy!

“My experience at the WLRC has helped me improve my communication skills. It also helped me make new friends and open up to others.”

Delaney Obaldia
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
Psychology Major, ASL Minor
Language: ASL

What are you up to now?
I am working full time and getting a Master’s degree at Boise State in school counseling!

“I loved working at the World Language Resource Center, I met two of my best friends and my husband there. The WLRC will always be a special place for me!”

Denise Hutchins
Conversation Assistant
Illustration (BFA) Major, Japanese Studies Minor
Language: Japanese

What are you up to now?
I’m currently finishing up my capstone illustration project, a bilingual picture book featuring animal onomatopoeia in Japanese and English. After I graduate in December, I’ll continue this book project, illustrating all the main animal onomatopoeia, and getting the book published by a relevant publisher or through Kickstarter. After that, I will move on to my next illustrated book project!

“Connecting with people through our shared journey of learning a new language is a uniquely rewarding experience. No matter what other similarities or differences we may have, or whether we are on the teaching or learning side of the coin, when we’re all aiming for the same language goals, we naturally end up having fun while making progress together. Having fun while learning is the ultimate educational experience, an experience I am grateful to have shared while working at the WLRC.”

Derek Cross
OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
History Major, Chinese Studies Minor
Language: Chinese

What are you up to now?
Working at the Gift Planning Office at UC Berkeley and looking into graduate programs.

Elián Tovar
Conversation Assistant
Elementary Education TESOL/ENL Major, Romance Languages Minor
Language: Spanish

“The opportunity that I have to be a part of the WLRC is amazing because this is helping me to get experience for when I am in my future classroom and teaching them how to speak a language.”

Emily Blackburn
OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
French, Secondary Education Major, Visual Art Minor
Languages: French, Portuguese

What are you up to now?
I am now a high school French teacher in the Treasure Valley!

“Some of my best friends to this day are those that I met working at the WLRC. I worked with so many amazing people and learned so much that helped me become the educator I am today.“

Emily Hawley
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Spanish Secondary Education Major
Language: Spanish

Emily Muro
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
German Secondary Major, Spanish Minor
Languages: German and Spanish

“I’m very excited to help create free language activities for K-16 teachers, because I plan on teaching world languages! I believe learning languages helps us see into the minds of others and helps us build relationships. Learning languages has opened up a lot of doors for me, and I hope to provide my future students with the same, and more opportunities than I have had.”

Emma Eason
OER Editor
German Secondary Education Major, History Minor and Teaching Endorsement
Language: German

“I loved the positive environment I worked in at the WLRC and all the new relationships I was able to make!

Emma Wilkinson
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
Elementary Education Major (Literacy Endorsement), ASL Minor
Language: ASL

”Working in the WLRC is a great place for people who are invested in learning to not only work together but share their passion for language! It’s been an incredible experience and one I wouldn’t trade!”

Erica Laursen
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor
German Major, TESOL Certification
Language: German

What are you up to now?
I’m working at the city’s local community center and fulfilling my passion of connecting and learning about others through my travels!

“I had an amazing time working in the WLRC! The tools and resources that I was introduced to have been so beneficial, not only in lesson planning and creating activities, but in my day to day life. I learned more than I thought I would and it was fun to see my growth in my abilities and knowledge. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing connections and life long friends that I made and I will be forever grateful for Amber and the time I spent working with the WLRC!”

Ethan Hoggan
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
English Major, Linguistics Emphasis, History Minor
Language: Japanese

What are you up to now?
I worked as a tutoring lead at CWI for a year, and am tentatively looking at graduate programs in crisis management.

“The best part of the WLRC was the people surrounding me. My coworkers were not only inspirational, but were also kind, enjoyable people. It was such a joy spending time each day with such incredible peers, and the WLRC is still one of my favorite places I’ve ever worked for.”

Gabby Bates
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
Accountancy and Spanish Double Major
Language: Spanish

What are you up to now?
I am working at a public accounting firm in Portland, Oregon.

“The WLRC is such a fantastic place on Boise State’s campus. I am so lucky to have been a part of it for the 3 years that I was.”

Gabrielle Mahias
Conversation Assistant
History Major (Human and Social Sciences in my home country)
Languages: French, English, Turkish, German (and a little Spanish and Italian)

“It’s incredible to be able to share our knowledge to each other nowadays (one century ago it was not even imaginable). It’s crazy and I think it’s this opportunity that excite me the most!”

Germán Tovar
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Electrical Engineering Major
Language: Spanish

“Working in WLRC as a conversation lab assistant is helping me be more confident at the time to talk. I’m a shy person!”

Grace McGrorty
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Global Studies Major, Japanese Studies Minor
Languages: Japanese, Korean, Latin and Spanish

“Learning Japanese is an ongoing process for me, and I believe that being part of the WLRC team will help me with my own language skills. I am also excited to be part of a friendly team that shares a passion for language learning. I have created free language learning resources for OER before, so I am looking forward to expanding upon those materials and creating more activities that can benefit more teachers and learners.”

Halle Robertson
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Multidisciplinary Studies Major, Japanese Studies Minor, Leadership Certificate
Language: Japanese

“It has been a great time teaching and learning languages at the WLRC!”

Hannah Steiner
Lab Desk Assistant
Linguistics Major, Chinese Studies Minor, TESOL Certificate
Language: Chinese

What are you up to now?
I am about to enter my final semester of my MA TESOL and Applied Linguistics program at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I am about to start my thesis project where I am creating an entire ESL writing program curriculum from scratch for a local adult education non-profit organization! After graduating with my MA, I plan to set off overseas and teach around Asia for a few years!

“I learned a TON working at the WLRC about creating quality, meaningful speaking activities for students learning foreign languages. As a graduate student I have been able to apply the skills I gained as a front desk assistant creating the Chinese speaking materials to my lesson plans and materials creation projects for classes. It has really given me a leg up over my peers who might not have any materials creation experience, and I am looking forward to using that knowledge and skill more creating lessons for my future students!”

Hideaki Furukawa
Conversation Assistant
Marketing Major
Language: Japanese

Ibrahem Alotaibi
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor
Master of Public Administration, Bachelor of Business Administration
Language: Arabic

“Working in the WLRC was one of my best experiences for learning about leadership, solving problems, and developing.“

Iris Torres
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Spanish Secondary Education Major
Language: Spanish

“The WRLC has given me a lot of experience to grow in my communicational and organizational skills. I love to meet other people who also love to learn languages and learn from them. It is a great place to do an internship or work. I am so thankful for this opportunity.”

Jacob Steele
Conversation Assistant
Kinesiology Major with Emphasis in Pre-Allied Health, ASL Minor
Language: ASL

What are you up to now?
Finishing up my undergrad and looking to pursue PA school as well as possibly pursuing interpreting school.

“The WLRC fosters learning, has friendly staff, great conversation assistants, and always has the best interest of language students.”

Jaelyn Quisel
OER Editor
Spanish and Integrated Media and Strategic Double Major
Language: Spanish

“I’m  excited  to be involved because this project seems like the perfect intersection of my interests and skills by being able to write and edit content in Spanish. On top of that, I loved my Spanish teachers that used cultural engagement and artifacts to teach the language, and I am excited to help build resources for that kind of learning!”

Jasmine Wall
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor
French and Global Studies Double Major
Language: French

“I am excited to create free language activities for K-16 teachers, because I am passionate about foreign language education, and I can’t wait to see how making these activities from my team accessible to such a wide range of fellow educators and students makes a difference in language learning across Idaho and beyond!”

Jorge Corea
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
International Business Major, French Minor
Languages: French, Spanish

What are you up to now?
I graduated from Boise State and now I’m doing my OPT.

“Learning French was one of my most cherished experiences in Boise. Learning and teaching in the WLRC was an important part of my college career.”

Josepha Sowanou
Conversation Assistant
French Secondary Education Major
Language: French

“I loved teaching and interacting with students.”

Julia Dryer
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Global Students Major (Sustainable Futures Emphasis), Spanish Minor
Languages: German, Spanish

“I think the work being done in the WLRC is amazing! I am so impressed with the amount of materials there are across a variety of topics and levels. It makes it so fun to come to work!”

Kailyn Phillips
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Psychology and Spanish Double Major
Language: Spanish

“I strongly believe that access to education and educational materials should be readily available to everyone! Learning is one of my greatest passions, and being a part of an organization that facilitates that process is something that I am super excited about!”

Katherine Bukhantsov
OER Editor 
German Major, Linguistics, English Literature, and Global Studies minor
Languages: Russian and German

 “I am always excited to be involved in anything language related, so this project is no exception. I’m also really glad to be a part of something that encourages others to learn other languages and provide resources that would help accomplish their language goals.”

Kaden Davis
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant 
Computer Science Major, Japanese Minor
Language: Japanese

Kaho Otsuki
Conversation Assistant
Pre-Business Major
Language: Japanese

Kennedy Steinau
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant 
Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Major, ASL Minor
Language: ASL

“ASL is such a useful language that is hardly taught because there are not a lot of teachers and options to teach it. I am excited to make ASL more accessible to everyone who wants to learn it and also bring attention to Deaf culture. It’s such a beautiful language and culture! The world would benefit from even just having access to resources for ASL!”

Keslee Seegmiller
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant 
Creative Writing Major, Spanish Minor
Language: Spanish

“I am excited to strengthen my teaching and lesson creating skills, so I can one day teach my own children.”

Lillie Cobb
Conversation Assistant
Spanish and Psychology Double Major
Language: Spanish

“I’m excited to be a part of the WLRC because I can practice my Spanish and provide evidence for why the language has the rules it does. I am also able to learn more about a language I truly have a passion for. While discovering a new love for teaching the language, I am actively learning more as well. This is such a unique experience–creating language activities for a broad spectrum of ages which have the opportunity to reach so many people and touch several lives. I’m eager to continue learning!”

Lily Nelson
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor
French Major
Languages: French

“I love fun and engaging curriculum! I think that being able to help create it sounds like so much fun, and provides so many opportunities to make language learning accessible to more people. As for conversation labs, I love being able to speak in French–it’s my favorite language. :)”

Madison Mackey
Conversation Assistant
Biology (Biomedical, Molecular and Cellular) Major, ASL Minor
Language: ASL

Madalen Bieter Lete
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Spanish and Kinesiology (Exercise Science Emphasis) Double Major, Iberian Studies and Basque Studies Minors
Languages: Basque, Spanish

What are you up to now?
I will be receiving my Doctorate in Physical therapy and Master in Public Health in May 2022!

“I will always cherish the friends I made working at the WLRC both with other lab assistants and students in my conversation labs. It definitely helped keep my passion for languages & culture alive!”

Madelynn Ruther
Conversation Assistant
French Secondary Education Major
Language: French

Accessibility is so important in the classroom! It’s important to me that teachers don’t have to pay for access to learning. I also think this allows teachers access to fun, creative activities that they can spend less time editing rather than creating something entirely new!

Manon Pretesesille
Conversation Assistant 
French Secondary Education Major
Language: French

“I absolutely love working as a French conversation assistant! I want to become a French Teacher and this experience has helped me improve my teaching skills and get to know Boise State’s students who are learning French!”

Mardy Morales
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
Language: Spanish
Spanish, Secondary Education Major

What are you up to now?
I teach Spanish 1 and 2 at a high school in the West Ada School District.

“Working at the World Language Resource Center was one of the best experiences of my life. It helped me think about my career path for the future, learn more about technology and so much more!”

Mark Nelson
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Spanish and Psychology Double Major
Language: Spanish

“I am excited to be a part of the WLRC because we encourage people to become bilingual in order to understand other cultures and languages. By understanding other cultures and languages, we double our understanding of the world around us and help us to be available for assistance to many more people, through verbal communication and cultural interpretations. In my short time at the WLRC I have learned about many different cultures and immersed myself with proficient Spanish speakers who have been extremely helpful on my journey to learning a new language. Being a lab assistant has been so rewarding on many levels.”

Mary Alania
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication Major
Language: Japanese

What are you up to now?
Client contract management at an accounting firm.

Mary Berheim

Conversation Assistant
German Secondary Education Major
Language: German

What are you up to now?
I am currently studying abroad at the Technische Universität Dortmund in Germany!

“I love how the WLRC turns studying a language into a community and provides the opportunity to meet peers both in your own language of study as well as in others.”

Maya Grubaugh
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Spanish Major, English Minor
Language: Spanish

“Even though I’m the one leading the labs, working at the WLRC has really helped me grow as a student. I’ve developed stronger speaking skills, a stronger command of the language overall, and I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with Boise State’s amazing language students! Thank you to everyone who has been part of my experience here!”

Megan Beiler
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Health Sciences and Spanish Double Major
Language: Spanish

Where are you now?
I am in graduate school in Chicago, IL getting a doctorate in occupational therapy. Right now I am living in Ecuador and completing a clinical fieldwork rotation at a pediatric outpatient clinic (& using Spanish every day!)

“My whole experience working at the WLRC was amazing. I loved getting to meet and work with so many people, expand my knowledge, and confidence, using Spanish and learn skills that I still use to this day. Hands down one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.”

Megan Joerger
Social Media Assistant
Nursing Major, Spanish minor
Language: Spanish

“I am looking forward to working in the WLRC because I love the encouraging, fun, and imaginative environment that students have created. This is an opportunity that will allow me to share people’s diverse perspectives and voices and encourage people from all walks of life to want to learn another language!”

Miguel Mancias
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Electrical Engineering Major
Language: Spanish

“I have learned so much about how languages are great at creating opportunities and new experiences.”

Mimi Fahnstrom
OER Editor, Team Lead Assistant
Criminal Justice and Psychology Major, Intermediate French Certificate
Language: French

“The WLRC is a place where I feel accepted and welcome. Language and culture are two things that always bring people together, so working at the WLRC is always filled with wonderful people and a fantastic atmosphere for learning and making connections with others.”

Monica Potts
Conversation Assistant
Psychology and Art Double Major, ASL Minor
Language: ASL

“This is my second semester working as an ASL conversation lab assistant and I love helping my students learn signs and seeing them grow. This position has not only helped me maintain my signing capabilities but it has allowed me to fall in love with ASL all over again.”

Naia Robinson
Conversation Assistant
Global Studies Major, Intermediate and Elementary German Certificates
Language: German

What are you up to now?
I am currently living in Australia. I work at the Australian – American Fulbright Commission, where I am passionate about promoting cross-cultural learning!

“I loved working in the WLRC. It really inspired a love for content creation and opened up a future for curriculum and language activity creation. “

Natalie Mendoza
OER Editor
Social Work Major, Spanish and Family Studies Minors
Language: Spanish

“I am very excited to work at the WLRC because it gives me an opportunity to use my Spanish, whether it is speaking, reading, or writing it.”

Océane Aubagnac
Conversation Assistant
International Business Major
Languages: French, and a bit of Spanish

“The most exciting part for me is sharing knowledge and culture, I really enjoy sharing what I can with people eager to learn. I give my time to these classes but I think it brings me a lot in return!”

Patrick Duvall
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
Spanish Major, Teaching Certification
Language: Spanish and beginning to study Portuguese

“I am excited to be in the WLRC as it gives me a chance to help students better understand and speak a second language, and then from there themselves go on with a better understanding of other cultures and languages around the world! The United States is a Spanish speaking country as is much of the Americas and I am proud to help, even if just a little bit, students engage with this other aspect of the world, our country and the Americas as a whole!”

Reagan Solomon
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
German Major
Language: German

“Working at the World Languages Resource Center has been such an eye-opening experience and has taught me so much about what it is like to be a language teacher.“

Robin Wagner
Conversation Assistant, OER Editor, Lab Desk Assistant
English Education Major
Languages: French, German

“It was great to be working with all these awesome people while providing many opportunities to learn about different cultures.”

Robyn Holland
Conversation Assistant
Social Work Major, ASL Minor
Language: ASL

“I am excited to use ASL and help others learn about a language I am so passionate about.”

Ryan Byrd
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Mechanical Engineering Major
Language: Spanish

What are you up to now?
I’m a field service engineer at turn-key medical, working on x-ray equipment.

“The WLRC is the best!”

Rylie Wieseler
OER Editor
Global Studies Major, French Minor
Language: French

“I’ve loved working for the WLRC! Everyone is super kind and helpful, and I’ve found my passion for education through my work as a French OER editor.”

Sara Bakari
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Languages: Arabic

Serena Krause
Conversation Assistant
English Teaching Major, American Sign Language Minor
Language: ASL

“Working at the WLRC is such a rewarding experience! Utilizing our language skills and being able to teach those skills to others is what makes the job so enjoyable!”

Sharon Westbrook
OER Editor
French Major
Language: French

What are you up to now?
I am teaching junior high French in the Boise School district.

“The WLRC is an amazing resource for teaching as well as learning.”

Shawn Moak
OER Editor
German Major, History Minor
Language: German

“German is my major and the WLRC at Boise State has been an awesome resource.  I have loved working on the OER project and can’t wait to use it as a German educator after University.”

Shelby Cole
OER Editor
Biology Major, Elementary and Intermediate German Certificate
Language: German

“The atmosphere in the WLRC is amazing and it makes me feel like I am able to ask questions.”

Sophie Campbell
Lead Social Media Assistant
Communication Major, German Minor, Public Relations Certificate
Language: German

Sophia Orm
Conversation Assistant
Chemistry Major, ASL, Biology, and Criminal Justice Minor
Language: ASL

“I love expanding my understanding of different cultures and think it is something everyone should experience. I want to give students the opportunity to do the same.”

Taylor Ewing
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Interdisciplinary Studies Major, ASL and Business minors, Innovation and Design certificate
Language: ASL

“I enjoy practicing my ASL and watching the new students gain a better understanding of the language. While this does not directly help with my target career, being able to work with a variety of people and create activities for different skill levels are helpful tools for the future.”

Tea Recanzone
OER Editor, Conversation Assistant
Spanish Secondary Education Major
Language: Spanish

What are you up to now?
I am currently studying abroad in Alicante, Spain for the Fall 2021 semester!

“I absolutely loved worked at the WLRC because it gave me a good perspective of what it will be like to be a future high school Spanish teacher.”

Thaïs Lacar
Conversation Assistant
Public Health Major, Spanish Minor
Language: Spanish

“I’m excited to be working here because this is a great opportunity to consistently speak in Spanish. Being comfortable in speaking Spanish will be a useful skill in my future career as healthcare systems continue to evolve and globalize in response to global health needs.

Theadora Callahan
Conversation  Assistant
Linguistics Major, Japanese Studies Minor, Elementary Arabic Certificate
Languages: Arabic and Japanese

What are you up to now?
I moved to Colorado! And work at the Nordstrom Ebar at the Park Meadows Mall.

“Working at the WLRC was life changing. My students, my coworkers, my boss, and all the opportunities that were given to me made all the hardships of college worth it.”

Tori Fisher
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Education, ASL Minor
Languages: Proficient in French and learning ASL

“As someone who wants to be a middle school teacher, I’m excited to have the opportunity to work on these activities and to be a part of such an enthusiastic and positive community!”

Yulilana Cisneros
Conversation Assistant, Lab Desk Assistant
Spanish Secondary Education Major
Language: Spanish

What are you up to now?
I’m a Spanish middle school teacher.

Yurim Lee
OER Editor, Conversation Assistant
Language: Korean
Intensive English Program (IEP) Student

“I’m excited to be working here because it is good opportunity for me. I can teach Korean and also learn English. And I can meet good people here!”

Zahra Akbari
OER Editor
Biology Major
Language: German

What are you up to now?
Planning to graduate next year!

“I love how everyone is always willing to help you in the WLRC!”

Additional Pathways Project Team Members

American Sign Language

• Amanda Adams
• Armilene Cabreros
• Bridget Lawrence
• Carly Souhrada
• Emily Harrison
• Izabelle Finner
• Gabi Jones
• Kate Maryon
• Megan McAllister
• Rebecca Mulgrew
• Samantha Showers
• Sarra Foerster
• Tiana Gratiot

French

• Justin Snyder
• Samantha Lind

German

• Alexandria Crandall
• David Crasper
• Jacob Cortez
• Nicole Woychick
• Sarah Lausch
• Stephi Arth

Japanese

• Cation Jones
• Haruna Ishikawa
• Kaoru Mitsukude
• Sarah Dowd
• Yurika Mochida

Spanish

• Alexis Araiza
• Alejandra Garcia
• Alejandro Montoya
• Austin Robishaw
• Ashley Potzernitz
• Carla Lara
• Cecilia Morales
• Daniel Felix
• Jenna Del Toro
• Jordyn Preble
• Kimberly Murphy
• Ismenia Gallegos
• Linzy Carpenter
• Madi Goertzen
• Mariela Montoya
• Mayra Saldivar
• Nicholas Sulier
• Ninna Payne
• Sergio Sarmiento
• Sue Juarez
• Zachary Zaleski