Emily Johnson, ‘07
Portland, OR

Emily Johnson is a double major in Chemistry and German Studies who spent a year abroad in Berlin.

Students feel that being in the sciences doesn’t require getting to know the world.  But science is ultimately about the social good. A lot of times it’s misused and mistreated and that’s why it’s important to go out and see for yourself as to how your work has or will have an effect on the entire world.

When:  My junior year (2005 - 2006).

Why did you choose to study abroad:  You keep hearing about how going abroad is self empowering, but it doesn’t happen overnight with a single visit; you need to live and immerse yourself in a new culture first.  As I was opening my very own bank account in Berlin, I realized that this, and not leaving home to come to college, is what marked my transition to adulthood.  Living abroad in an entirely new place lets you trust yourself, and you learn to value your instincts like never before.

What  language did you speak:  German, with my language skills showing tremendous improvement thanks to my year in Germany.

What did you study:  Since I’m a double major in Chemistry and German, my classes were a mix of both, with even the science courses like “Introduction to Organic Chemistry” and “Introduction to Technical Macro Molecular Chemistry” taught in German.

What next:  I’m exploring job opportunities in environmental chemistry for after graduation in a few months, and maybe even a return to Germany!