Speak Arabic - Shelby Unlocks New Opportunities with Arabic

The Beginning: Embracing Arabic with Support

Shelby’s journey in learning Arabic is a powerful example of how language education can shape a student’s academic and personal growth. In 2023, Shelby received the Arabic Honor Society (AHS) Incoming Freshman Award, a key moment in her educational journey that enabled her to continue her Arabic studies at the University of Michigan. The award provided Shelby with the initial opportunity and confidence to continue her Arabic studies at the collegiate level, offering the support she needed to deepen her language learning.

Building on a Foundation: Transitioning from High School to College

Shelby’s love for Arabic began in high school, where she first started learning the language. When she entered college, she decided to take an Elementary Arabic course to build upon the foundation she had already established. In high school, her focus was mostly on speaking the language, but in college, she was able to expand her skills to include reading, writing, and grammar. Shelby found this transition both challenging and rewarding. "The Arabic alphabet is especially interesting to me," she shares. "It’s completely different from the Roman alphabet, and learning to recognize each unique letter has been an exciting challenge."

Although the shift to learning the language at a deeper level wasn’t always easy, Shelby found that the more she practiced and immersed herself, the more confident she became. She realized that Arabic’s complexity—its script, syntax, and grammar—was a challenge that rewarded persistence. Over time, the intricacies of the language became less daunting, and her skills continued to grow.

The Role of the AHS Incoming Freshman Award: Support and Confidence

The AHS Incoming Freshman Award played a crucial role in Shelby’s academic journey, allowing her to focus on Arabic studies at the collegiate level. The award gave Shelby the confidence to pursue her Arabic studies without hesitation, knowing she had the support to explore the language more deeply.

This support allowed Shelby to engage in more language courses, gaining a deeper understanding of Arabic grammar and structure—key areas that had been difficult to master in high school. The award enabled Shelby to fully immerse herself in Arabic studies, which played a key role in her growing language proficiency.

Arabic and the Arts: A Language That Enhances Creative Expression

Shelby’s academic focus is on theater design and production, and she has found that her study of Arabic has enhanced her ability to express herself creatively. "Learning Arabic has been an amazing way to challenge my thinking," Shelby explains. "It has given me a new lens through which I approach problem-solving and storytelling in my artistic work."

Her experience with Arabic has given her a fresh perspective on language as an essential tool for communication—whether in the arts or in everyday life. For Shelby, learning Arabic isn’t just about understanding vocabulary and grammar; it’s about honing a new way of thinking and engaging with the world around her.

Shelby has also been encouraged to learn Arabic in different, engaging ways throughout her education. In high school, she was involved with the Arabic debate team and traveled to Utah to participate in X. She also traveled to Doha in 2023 and participated in the TEDinArabic conference.

Inspiring Others: Why You Should Study Arabic

Shelby encourages other students to take the leap into learning Arabic, even if it initially seems difficult. She emphasizes that, like any complex skill, learning Arabic requires dedication, practice, and patience—but the effort is well worth it.

She urges students interested in learning Arabic to explore opportunities similar to the AHS Incoming Freshman Award, which can make language study more accessible. QFI recently reintroduced this award as the First-Year University Award to open access to more students learning Arabic and who want to continue their studies at the university level. The award can offer students the confidence and support to truly dive into the language in higher education, enriching their overall academic experience. Learn more about the First-Year University Awards and how you can apply here.

The Power of Language Learning: A Path to Personal Growth

Shelby’s journey with Arabic demonstrates the profound impact language learning can have on a student’s life. Her story is a reminder that, with the right resources and determination, any student can master a challenging language like Arabic. Through her studies, Shelby has not only gained proficiency in Arabic but also developed critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of confidence in her academic pursuits.

For Shelby, Arabic is more than just a subject; it’s a way to expand her worldview, sharpen her intellectual abilities, and connect with new opportunities. Her story illustrates how support—like the First-Year University Award—can help students thrive and make their language learning journey possible.

This story is part of the Speak Arabic series, showcasing how Arabic unlocks futures by highlighting the journeys of students learning the language and the impact it has on their personal and academic growth.