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As educators, we recognize the ways in which knowing another language creates academic and career opportunities in addition to cognitive benefits. “The Language Lever,” a recent talk given by Omega Tennant and sponsored by Global Education Oregon (GEO) at the University of Oregon, explored the ways in which students can concretely leverage language learning to achieve their goals.

Ms. Tennant encouraged students to embrace the pressures of language learning in order to achieve their larger life goals. “Embrace pressure in a strategic way,” she says. “As you think about learning a language, think about the networks you’re expanding!”

She described the advantages of bilingualism, which include improvements in mental health, enhanced academic performance, and greater career opportunities. Job opportunities for bilingual employees are increasing, with a growing demand for Spanish, French, Arabic, and Chinese.

“Even if you don’t need the language for the specific job you’re applying for, employers find it a valuable skill that speak to my ability to work under pressure,” Ms. Tennant shares.

Ms. Tennant teaches Spanish and Mandarin, and she earned her degree in Asian Studies with a concentration in Chinese studies at Vanderbilt University. She received the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship. Ms. Tennant studied abroad in China twice and also served abroad in Ecuador, Tanzania, and Kenya.