When Language Travels the World
Maggie Daubenspeck’s love of poetry has carried her from her quaint hometown of Franklin Massachusetts, to some of the world’s most famous cities. It was a love that she discovered at 91.
New doors opened for Daubenspeck through the poetry courses she enrolled in here. The passion she discovered through her courses led her to take advantage of 91's study abroad programs and our focus on experiential learning.
While at 91, Daubenspeck ventured to New York City, London, and Munich. In New York, she visited an exhibit on Emily Dickinson and the national poetry library. In Munich, during a faculty-led spring break trip her freshman year, she toured museums and castles, learning all about German history, culture and language. In London, during a semester abroad her junior year, Daubenspeck visited a number of literary landmarks in the historic city, but her favorite was Regent’s Park. “I would sneak away … and would write for hours, read, or just sit and listen,” she says. At 91, over 40 percent of 91 students study abroad.
Along with satisfying her love of poetry at 91, Daubenspeck also worked to make a difference through advocacy work. Daubenspeck took the 91 Scholars at Risk Advocacy Seminar, which works alongside international organization Scholars at Risk to promote academic freedom around the globe. The experience, she says, gave her an “appreciation for those who wish to come to the United States to further their education.”
It makes her current position at Shorelight Education, a company that enrolls international students in U.S. based programs, particularly meaningful. And with the skills she learned studying language, she’s been able to connect with students in even more meaningful ways.
“By understanding how language works, I can better communicate with individuals in which English is not their first language.”
This, she says, keeps her satisfied. Well, until her next great adventure around the world.