Amazing Student: Erin Mulkey

• Hometown: Snellville, Georgia
• Degree objective and graduation date: M.A.T. in world language education, May 2025
• Degree(s) and graduation date: A.B. in classics (Latin language); classical culture minor; classics and comparative culture minor; Certificate of Archaeological Sciences, May 2024

Why did you choose to attend UGA for your degree? 

After attending Georgia Southern University (GSU) for two years, I transferred to UGA to pursue a degree in classics with an emphasis in Latin language. I was a Latin major at GSU, and the Latin program was dissolved after my first year there. I was committed to getting a degree in Latin, so I transferred to UGA. As I was beginning my Latin degree my junior year, I learned about the Double Dawgs program for the M.A.T. in world language education and realized that this program would allow me the perfect opportunity to get certified and start my dream of teaching Latin.

What sparked your interest in pursuing TESOL and world language education?

In high school, I was obsessed with the Latin classes that I was taking. In my senior year, I decided to change my intended major to Latin because I realized that I wanted to be a Latin teacher. Latin was one of the only classes that I genuinely looked forward to and enjoyed day to day for the three years I was taking it. I want to become the Latin teacher that I had when I was in high school; a teacher who inspires a love for a dead language in a fun and meaningful way, and cares for her students beyond their test scores. As I continued in my Latin/classical studies, I realized that the number of students taking Latin in high schools had been declining over the last few years. I made it a mission to pursue a world language education degree, so I could either start or expand Latin programs in Georgia and encourage students to study the classics.

What has been your favorite class in the College and why?

My favorite class is LLED 6410: Adolescent and Young Adult Literature taught by Dr. Sarah Kajder. I took this course last summer and had the opportunity to read a collection of middle grades and young adult books and graphic novels. We read two books a week that covered different topics relevant to middle and high school students. This class let me see what students are reading in their free time and what is impacting them and their cultures. In this class, I got to talk to current teachers and teacher candidates about the books we were reading and how we might use them in our classrooms. It was a really fulfilling course, and it was eye-opening to read what students are potentially reading.

Are you involved in any academic or service-oriented organizations? If yes, how do they enhance your academic endeavors?

Yes! I am a member of the American Classical League and a chair member for the Georgia Junior Classical League (GJCL). In the GJCL, I am a state middle school co-chair and the Georgia Senior Classical League advisor. The GJCL allows students who are involved in middle and/or high school Latin or Greek studies to create community and participate in competitions, such as chariot races, and take academic language and culture tests at a fall semester forum and spring semester state convention. In high school, I was a student member of the GJCL and would always have a great time participating in events hosted by either my high school chapter or the state chapter. Using my experiences in high school as a foundation, I want to grow the GJCL program at whatever school I end upand provide my students with the fun and joy I experienced in high school.

What are your future plans after you graduate with your master’s degree?

I will be teaching Latin at the high school level and potentially the middle school level as well. I will continue working with the Georgia Junior and Senior Classical League to grow the middle school and college programs in Georgia. I hope to keep developing my love and passion for the Latin language and to help my students love Latin as much as I do.