Get to Know Kappy Eastman
Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend UM after deciding that I wanted to major in International Studies. In high school, I knew that I wanted to major in something relating to French, but I wasn’t sure exactly what. After touring the Croft Institute junior year, I figured out pretty quickly that it (and, subsequently, UM) was what I had been looking for.
When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I chose to be an International Studies major after visiting the Croft Institute during a preview day my junior year of high school. In applying for those studies, I knew I would be required to take a significant number of French courses, and because I knew I was interested in going into a French-related field for post-grad, I decided to cut the middle man and add French as a major as well. As far as my minor goes, I’ve always loved to read and write, so since I was planning on taking English-related classes anyway, I thought it would make sense to tack on the minor officially.
What would you tell a high school student about your major?
What you get out of the International Studies and French majors is entirely dependent on what you put into them. The coursework can be demanding and time-consuming, but if you put in the effort required to do it well, at the end of the day you’re going to be pleased with the payoff. You’ll also have ample opportunities to meet really cool people and travel to really cool places!
Why is your department a special place?
The team of French professors at UM is small and extremely supportive, meaning they can really get to know their students as they progress through the major. The staff is also knowledgable and passionate about the subjects they teach, which makes participating in class (and improving your language skills) all the more interesting. The exact same thing can be said for the International Studies program, where the teachers are highly qualified, closely knit, and invested in their students’ success.
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
The Shakespeare course with Ivo Kamps that I took for my English minor was hands down my favorite class I’ve ever taken. In-depth analysis, varied mediums, his passion for the Bard–all of these contributed to a rigorous, comprehensive, and remarkably interesting class. (Fun fact: when I had the chance to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream in London this past spring, I spent the whole time whispering tidbits of information from class to my mother. She was probably very annoyed. I, however, had the time of my life.)
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
I would like to get my Master’s degree eventually, but after graduation I think I’d like to take a break from school and work for a year or two before continuing in higher education. Ideally, I would love to end up in a job where I can speak French as well as exercise my love for writing, and I would also like to return to France (or another francophone country) some day in order to continue developing my language skills!
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self?
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it’s that college goes by much faster than you expect. There’s no time to waste by sequestering yourself in your comfort zone. If you stay safe and secure inside all four years, you won’t encounter the new and exciting experiences and people that will help grow you into the you you’re supposed to be.
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