Greetings

I was forced to create a blog for my English 100 class back in the Fall Semester of 2005, where we were supposed to update it regularly. It was an exercise in different writing styles, but after the course was over I completely forgot about it.

So I will try to keep this blog up and running. My intentions are to write at least one blog a week about something happening in the news, and my ideas/comments about it. For this blog, I guess a proper introduction would be sufficient.

My name is Zack DeSwarte, and I'm currently a Junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a BA in French (with intentions of obtaining an additional independent major in Arabic). I originally enrolled at the UW with intentions of majoring in Electrical Engineering, a decision my high school courses were centered around, with a minor in French. I tested well in my placement test and would only need a few credits to get a major in French, let alone a minor. So it was a pragmatic choice at first. After taking Calculus 2 in High School, I decided against engineering because, frankly, the course was hardly what I enjoyed and was altogether too time-consuming.

Then I decided to take a different route- French is my anchor and will always be- I only need a class of French each semester to graduate with it as a major. But I was interested in politics throughout High School and I figured a double major with political science would be a great idea. After taking a few poli-sci classes, I decided against it because I disliked the format of the courses- a discussion section each week, taking notes in two power lectures per week, a mid term and a final exam.

This is when I had a mild crisis: where was I going to go with my education? I had to think long and hard, but I finally decided to work my way backwards from a career goal and then formulate the best route to take with my field of study. Ever since I began my study of French in the 7th grade, I've wanted to be a translator or interpreter for the UN. Because I needed experience with translating/interpreting before I can get a job with the UN, I looked to the US government websites for jobs in the field. The NSA/CIA are in need of Arabic translators, so I figured it would give me an easy way into the field. I would also feel more than proud to serve my country in a field I would best be suited for- I don't think being in the armed forces would be using my talents appropriately. I'm quick to pick up languages, but uncoordinated with moving around. Three of my good friends from High School are in the armed forces: one is in the Navy, one is at West Point, and one is training to be an Army Ranger. I want the same sense of pride they're getting, but in a way I can benefit the most. Voila my choice to study Arabic.

I will be moving to Madison this weekend with my girlfriend of 15 months, Emilee, and resuming school on Tuesday. I'm looking forward to both. School can get boring and demanding, but it's mentally rewarding.

And that's about all about me. I'm sure more will come up later, but we'll get there when those details become more pertinent.

Asalaama allekum (peace be upon you all)
Zack