Alumni Highlights
Deb Weststrate, Spanish, BFA & BA Graphic Design & Spanish, 2011
Deb Weststrate
2011 Graduate - Dual Degree
Language: Spanish
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major: Art and Design - Graphic Design
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Spanish
Following her official graduation in April 2011, Deb was determined to travel and to immerse herself in the Spanish language through GVSU’s study abroad program in Bilbao, Spain. While taking a class at the University of Deusto, Deb also completed a month-long internship with the art producer and publisher, Consonni, based in the San Francisco district of Bilbao. Upon her return to the U.S., Deb sought out opportunities in which to utilize her degree in the Spanish language. In the fall of 2011, Deb began working for a school in Holland, MI as an office administrator and interpreter for the Spanish-speaking families at the elementary/middle school. She enjoyed this opportunity to assist families in staying connected with their child’s education, especially when the parents feared that the language barrier would prevent them from helping their child learn. During her employment at the school, Deb initiated an English class for Spanish-speaking parents through the program, Rosetta Stone, and created a Multicultural Night, in which families of all cultural backgrounds came together to enjoy food, music, and entertainment.
In addition to her occupation at the school, Deb served as a commissioner for the Holland International Relations Commission for three years, and was chair for the third year of the term. This commission was created to maintain Holland’s sister city relationship with Queretaro, Mexico, and has also become a citizen-led group focused on educating the community on international matters.
In 2018, Deb was hired as GVSU’s Van Andel Global Trade Center Assistant. Though there is less use of the Spanish language in her current occupation, she continues to maintain connections to the Spanish-speaking community through tutoring and mentorship. Deb believes learning a foreign language has opened up many doors for her to experience life from new perspectives, and continues to allow for friendships and connections that would have otherwise not been possible.
Updated March 2019
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