Olivia Bohl '26 - Languages, Literatures and International Studies

Post-graduation plans: I will be leaving right after graduation to serve communities in Belize with the NU386X Interdisciplinary Study in Global Health Care class. I am also currently applying for jobs with international nonprofit companies!

What will you miss most about being an NMU student?

I will miss all of the opportunities offered to us constantly. There is always some event happening on campus, and so many different student organizations to explore. I will miss the professors and all the people I met during my time here. I'll miss the burgers from the Den and the dining hall breakfasts (which are severely underrated, by the way).

What were your favorite moments as an LLIS student?

I have so many great memories associated with this program – where do I start? I’ve loved all the classes I’ve taken for both my majors, and all the great people I’ve met along the way. Participating in Spanish Day every year was so fun – I always looked forward to it every year. I loved putting on events for students as the president of Spanish Club. Performing a play in Spanish during my Mexican Theatre class was definitely one of the highlights of my time here. Traveling to Salamanca last year was a time of so much growth in my Spanish language and as a person. Studying abroad in Costa Rica, of course, was one of the best parts of my university experience. Best program requirement ever!

What was your favorite course that you took in the LLIS Dept?

I loved taking IP 190, IP 490, and SN 495: Mexican Theatre. IP 190 encouraged me to look more into international issues when I'd only really studied American ones in-depth before. IP490 expanded on that understanding, pushing me to keep up to date with world news and examine it in an even more nuanced way. SN 495: Mexican Theatre was super fun because the class got to study Mexican theatre productions and perform a play in Spanish for the NMU community at the end of the semester. 

If asked by an employer what you can do with your major, what would you say? 

I would say that through both of my majors, I now have a greater understanding of how to communicate with people of other cultures, especially those who speak Spanish. I can better analyze international relationships and the inner workings of different countries and regions. I am more adaptable, open-minded, and observant when it comes to practices different from mine, which will help me in any sphere of life, but especially when connecting with others.

If you met an incoming student, what advice would you give them?

Try as many new things as you can, find what you love most, and keep pursuing those things! Say "yes" often, but never be afraid to say "no." Doing things outside of your comfort zone leads to so much growth and new perspectives on life. School is important, but be sure to enjoy yourself while you're here!