Teaching Assistants (TAs)
Celina Haase
Hi Everyone!
My name is Celina, I am 21 years old, and for the upcoming year, I will be a German Teaching Assistant at Kalamazoo College. In Germany, I am pursuing majors in both Psychology and Law in the charming city of Lüneburg. Music and Dance hold a special place in my heart, and I’ve had the incredible opportunity to take part in several musical productions. Additionally, I have a deep passion for languages and exploring new cultures through travel, which is why I can’t wait to see what life as a TA will look like.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all very soon! Bis Bald 🙂
Marvin Ernst
My name is Marvin, and I’m a 22-year-old undergraduate student at the University of Potsdam, located right next to Berlin. I’m currently in my fourth semester of studying economics. Hailing from Freiburg, a charming mid-sized town nestled within the heart of the Black Forest region in Southern Germany, I am eager to share elements of my culture and heritage with the K-community. At the age of 10, I made my first visit to the United States, and ever since, I have consistently returned. I’m thrilled about my upcoming role as a teaching assistant. My background includes instructing various economics courses, but my passion for teaching actually took root when I was 16 and spent a year in Texas. During that time, I assisted a high school teacher in a German class. Beyond my academic pursuits, my passions extend to politics, the arts, and history. In my leisure hours, you’ll find me engrossed in reading, experimenting in the culinary realm, and engaging in diverse sports such as volleyball and martial arts.
Anticipation is building for my time in Kalamazoo! I can’t wait to meet all of you soon!
Kristian Strljic
Moin moin!
My name is Kristian, I am a 20-year-old student living in Erlangen, Bavaria. I am currently studying Math and English in my fourth semester to become a high school teacher. Having a lot of experience in tutoring students and a strong passion for teaching, I am thrilled to be one of the German Teaching Assistants at Kalamazoo College this year!
I love gaming and being part of the esports community, not only as a competitor but also as an event organizer – I have organized esports events of 100+ attendees in Nuremberg! I also love singing, listening to music, and occasionally binge-watching whole shows on Netflix within days.
My family and all my relatives are originally from Croatia (as you can probably tell by my not-very-German last name), so I’m used to travelling across countries for visits. However, crossing the Atlantic Ocean and living in the US for a year is indeed a very new and very exciting experience for me! I’m looking forward to getting to know the US culture and hope to meet many many nice people during my time here!
See you soon!
Departmental Student Advisor (DSA)
Teresa Lucas
Hallo! My name is Teresa and I am the German Studies DSA this year! I am from Mattawan, Michigan and am a senior double majoring in German and Psychology. Last year, I studied abroad in Erlangen for six months and loved every minute! My favorite memories are hiking in the Alps, experiencing Oktoberfest in Munich, and visiting the Belvedere in Vienna. I hope to go back to Germany or Austria after I graduate. In my free time, I love to listen to audiobooks, thrift, and hang at coffee shops!
In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of your department?
The department provides a supportive and close-knit community that I’ll forever be grateful for.
What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to your department?
Attend Stammtisch and get to know your TAs! Both are such amazing ways to not only improve your language learning, but also meet new people!
What is a random fun fact about you?
I have 8 siblings!
Student Assistant
Emilia Kelly
Hallo zusammen! I’m Emilia Kelly, and I’ll be the student assistant for the German department this year. I’m a sophomore German Studies major who plans on becoming a librarian, and I can’t wait to spend junior year in Erlangen! I am very interested in German literature, as well as classical music. Aside from studying German, I also enjoy singing with the Kalamadudes, writing short stories, and drawing.