Hi everybody! My name is Christina, I am 21 years old and I am going to work as a teaching assistant for German this year. At my home university FAU in Erlangen I study Educational Theory/Pedagogy and English and American Studies. I love learning (about) languages and working with people in different contexts. Which is why I am excited to work as a teaching assistant and together with all of you. I hope we can have a great exchange about our languages, cultures and so much more.

In my spare time I like spending time in nature, reading (mostly feminist literature and romance) and doing all kinds of sports. I love cooking, meeting friends and travelling to new places. I am also interested in photography, art and music. For example, playing the guitar or taking photographs with my film camera. 

Moin! My name is Catalina, I am 22 years old, and I am an international student from Leuphana University in Lüneburg, a city in northern Germany. I am majoring in Psychology and Society. I love learning new things, and for me, learning and teaching have always gone hand in hand. As a teenager, I tutored children who struggled in school, and together we found creative ways to make learning more engaging and enjoyable. Since then, I have gained further experience working with young people through volunteering, internships, and as a student aide at a girls’ college in New Zealand. As a German Teaching Assistant, I hope to create an open and interactive environment where everyone feels comfortable making mistakes while discovering the German language and culture.

Besides my studies and work, I love spending time with my friends, playing sports, and traveling. Even better is when I can combine all three. For example, I hiked the Camino de Santiago, also known as the “Jakobsweg,” from Portugal to Spain for two weeks with my best friend. I love being outdoors, whether I am hiking, biking, or simply going for a walk and taking pictures with my camera. Therefore, I am especially looking forward to experiencing Michigan’s seasons. I am very much looking forward to meeting you all and spending time together at K!

“Hallo! My name is Ryleigh, I am a senior and will be a TA for German 201! I am a triple major in German Studies, History, and Business. I studied abroad in Erlangen, Germany for 6 months my junior year. I am passionate about German, history, making new friends, and finding vintage glass and books. I have been learning German since I was 11 years old and have a deep love for the language and culture. I have been a part of the German department here at K since my freshman year and I am super passionate about both the language and how awesome our program is! I look forward to helping others find the same passion for the language. In my spare time I work in the A.M. Todd Rare Book Room here on campus, participate in our theater program, spend time with my friends, and finding new experiences. I enjoy talking with new people and am really looking forward to being one of your TAs!”

Newt Johnson is our DSA for 2026-2027! Do you have questions about particular classes, majors, minors, and/or concentrations? Departmental Student Advisors (DSAs) can help! They are available via e-mail and at special campus events to answer your questions.

Newt is originally from Chennai, Tamil Nadu (India), and he is majoring in German and Philosophy at K. He studied abroad a full academic year in Erlangen, Germany. In his spare time, he likes to draw and watch football (soccer).
Read more about Newt here!

Hi, I’m Emerson Agnello and I am the Student Assistant for the German Department! At K, I am a biology major and last year I joined our College Singers choir as well! In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, and being with my friends. I have taken German since freshman year, and I hope to continue throughout my K journey! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!