Student Profile:

Josh Thompson, '10
Published: Winter 2009

Language Requirement Opens Doors to Unique Experiences for Medical School Hopeful

Upon entering Carolina three years ago, Josh Thompson had a big decision to make: what to do for the language requirement. He already knew Latin, but he wanted to learn something new.

“I thought Modern Hebrew would be the most interesting choice and decided to give it a try. I loved learning the language, the teacher was great, and I made lots of friends in the classes,” said Thompson. So, he ended up making Modern Hebrew a minor. “From that, I ended up becoming involved in other campus groups, audited another Jewish Studies course, and even traveled to Israel in 2008.

”Now that the Modern Hebrew minor is completed, this semester he is enrolled in Biblical Hebrew. “I am really excited to start reading the Bible in its original language.”

This year, Thompson joined the Center’s advisory board as its student representative. “Jewish Studies is a huge part of my undergraduate experience. I am thrilled to have an opportunity to give input and learn even more about the program.”

Thompson, a Biology major with a second minor in Chemistry, worked during his undergraduate years as a Nursing Assistant at UNC Hospitals. He spent this past summer applying to medical schools in the southeast and plans to go into Family Medicine. “I want to really know my patients, not just see people for one or two visits as a specialist,” Thompson explained

.“I chose to pursue Modern and Biblical Hebrew for personal reasons: to allow me to read works in their original language and to help with my travels to Israel. I’ve since learned that it’s also a vibrant culture, giving me the opportunity to explore both history and current events. I would recommend Jewish Studies courses to any student. Just check it out, you’ll be amazed.”