Student emphasizes the beauty of language and learning

“I try to let myself be inspired daily by treating each new thing I learn as a treasure and by expressing my gratitude that I am able to be at a school like Arizona State University,” said Seth Moller, a student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Moller is currently pursuing a degree in English linguistics in the Department of English and says he is inspired by the beauty of his studies and surroundings at ASU. Moller finds passion in language and culture and takes each day to learn something new.

He traces his interest in linguistics back to his childhood, where Moller remembers always enjoying his English and history classes. He says he was inspired to pursue an education in linguistics after he came across a book by American journalist and author Mark Kurlansky.

“When I was entering my senior year of high school, I was in a bookstore in Prescott, Arizona, called Peregrine Book Company and stumbled upon a book called ‘The Basque History of the World,’” said Moller. “It explored the history of the Basque peoples in northern Spain and their complicated linguistic history. That book sparked my interest in studying language and how it can help us understand the people around us.”

Since that discovery, he has dived into his studies of language and found his home at ASU, where he has been able to pursue his passion and remain close to his most meaningful relationships.

“I have learned that a central part of my life is my great group of friends — being able to be close to them was a priority,” said Moller. “Starting school at ASU only made myself more confident in my decision.”

During his time at ASU, Moller has attended the Language Fair, where students have opportunities to discuss learning foreign languages with high school students. He says that the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers constant stimulation for his interests and has shown him that learning can be accomplished anywhere.

“I believe that language is beautiful and the fact that there are people that use different sounds and grammar for language is fascinating,” said Moller. “I think cultivating awareness of cultural distinctiveness is an invaluable thing, especially for this increasingly global world. I think people are amazing and understanding the way we all use language is a specifically attractive thing.”

Moller knows how overwhelming the fast-paced environment of a university can be, and he says it is important to always look out for things to appreciate.

“I love sitting on the benches in front of the Languages and Literatures building. Being able to smell the grass, feel the shade from the trees and see new people walking by is a refreshing and relaxing thing during a long day spent inside classrooms,” said Moller. “I am thankful for the opportunity to have an education that makes inspiration easy to encounter.”