Learning a second language has numerous benefits that can positively impact the various aspects of the lives and futures of students. Being bilingual or multilingual is more valuable than ever in today’s globalized world.
Picking up another language or even just maintaining your second language is an extremely smart choice as a high schooler due to the fact that it will open up a world of opportunities for your future profession. Being bilingual or multilingual can open up a wider range of job opportunities and you will be able to communicate with a broader range of individuals.
Lupita Torres, the sub-coordinator secretary in EHS’s main office, said being bilingual has helped her professionally.
“Because I can help more than one specific group of people so it’s a broader diversity of people that I can help and in a way, it’s made me feel special because sometimes if you can’t find someone who speaks Spanish they send them to me, and I have had the opportunity to be more communicative and help service to other people while also helping minorities because sometimes they come in kind of like scared or nervous because they don’t think there will be someone able to help, so it’s been positive that I can help.”
Another reason why maintaining a second language will be beneficial for your future profession is that jobs often offer higher pay for bilingual employees. This is because they can take on additional roles and responsibilities that require language skills, such as translation, interpretation, or even managing International accounts.
Neftali Alfonso, a Senior student said, “Being bilingual has helped me as a barber because I get more clients because I can talk to a more diverse selection of people.”
Bilingual individuals often have better problem solving and multitasking abilities which are highly valued in the workplace as they can lead to more efficient and effective working processes.
Marisol Lee, a staff member who helps with STAMP testing stated “The benefits of doing the STAMP test and striving to get as many credits as possible will result in extra credits on your transcript If you receive all four credits then you can use it to become an interpreter, and I know a student that was hired to become an interpreter after receiving all four credits and then she got paid interpreter wages”
Yesica Campos, the staff member in charge of STAMP Testing, recommends it for bilingual students due to its benefits for your future profession.
Campos shared, “STAMP testing is a verification that you are bilingual, it would help show and prove to jobs that you’re not just saying that you’re Bilingual or multilingual.”
The stamp test is held yearly, and anybody interested in taking it can contact Campos or Lee.
