Currently working as an Interpreter Coordinator for the Colorado Judicial branch of government, Joseph Strong is a 2012 graduate of International Studies, having completed a minor in Chinese.
Here’s what Joseph has to say about where Chinese has taken him:

Joseph Strong, 2012 graduate, International Studies major, Chinese Minor
Joseph Strong, 2012 graduate, International Studies major, Chinese Minor

“My journey into Chinese language and culture started Fall semester of 2009 at CSU. At the time, I was really unsure of what I wanted to study, and on a broader level, of what I wanted to do “in the real world”. I knew that I wanted to learn a foreign language, and Chinese (specifically Mandarin) seemed like the most interesting and practical choice available. I fell in love with the language within days of starting the first course (probably because it was the only foreign language I ever demonstrated any talent for). After graduation, I moved to China and lived there for four years. I worked, studied Mandarin, and experienced all the highs and lows that generally come over four years of life. I met my now wife, and gained a family in an area of the world that growing up, I never knew would be part of my life one day. I moved back to Colorado in 2016, and am currently working as an Interpreter Coordinator for the Colorado Judicial branch of government. I am proud to uphold the federal and state constitutions by providing Limited English Proficient parties in the court system with language interpreters. This is one way in which we strive to provide equal access to justice for all people in this country. Whether or not interpretation is the path forever ahead of me, I will continue studying Chinese for the rest of my life, and will always be better for constantly learning from Chinese language, culture, history and people. In this way I can gain experience and world-perspective that I would have never had otherwise.”