Bethany Casella, 21, of Valparaiso, graduates this May with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a minor in communications.

Intrigued by foreign languages, and Spanish grammar in particular, the determined Portage High School alumna voraciously pursued her studies, finishing college in just three years.

One of the highlights of Casella’s experience was studying in Bilbao, Spain this past summer. She also worked as a Spanish tutor and was a member of the Modern Languages Club, opportunities that honed her Spanish-speaking and teaching skills to expert levels.

Casella is also a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success and has worked at the circulation desk at the library.

After graduation, Casella will begin her training to become a Montessori teacher and work as an assistant in the summer. Her goal is to secure a permanent teaching role in Chicago, where there are dual-language schools. She plans to incorporate Spanish into her classroom and by doing so, will further advance her own Spanish-language skills.

Montessori schools take a child-centered educational approach with an emphasis on discovery through hands-on learning. “I attended a Montessori school as a child and absolutely love the environment and the ideas it follows,” Casella said. “I am also very excited to learn more Spanish on my own and other languages.”

Perhaps Casella will also treat her future young students to her musical skills. Thanks to a course she took while a student at IU Northwest, Casella improved her piano-playing skills and was even selected to showcase her skills for a campus holiday greeting.

“Overall, IU Northwest has been great for me,” she said. “Thanks to the various experiences I have had here, I have really discovered myself.”

About the Class of 2018: Indiana University Northwest will confer 777 degrees at the 52nd Annual Commencement ceremonies on May 10, 2018. The Class of 2018 will collectively receive 49 associate’s degrees, 638 bachelor’s degrees and 90 master’s degrees. The oldest student graduating is 62 years old and the youngest is 19. More than 70 percent of the graduating class is female.