David Cole: A Passion for Language and Learning
David Cole, a Memphis native, is currently pursuing his Master’s in Teaching English
to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at the University of Memphis. With a deep passion
for language acquisition and cultural exchange, his academic journey has taken him
from Memphis to Japan and even Hawaii, shaping his aspirations in applied linguistics.
The Path to Graduate School
David’s love for languages began during his undergraduate studies at UofM, where he earned a degree in Japanese Language. His experience studying abroad at J.F. Oberlin University in Fuchinobe, Japan, solidified his interest in second-language acquisition. After graduation, he taught in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he realized that further specialization was necessary to achieve his long-term professional goals. Graduate school became the natural next step to refine his expertise and pursue his passion for ESL policies and research.
Why the University of Memphis?
For David, choosing UofM for his graduate studies was an easy decision. Having been part of the UofM community since his freshman year, he experienced firsthand the unwavering support from advisors and faculty members. Influential mentors like Rorie Trammel (HAAMI), Melvyn Harding (TRIO), and the faculty in the World Languages and TESOL departments played a crucial role in his academic growth.
“The University’s mission to produce well-rounded, successful graduates deeply resonates with me. I knew that UofM was the right place to continue my journey,” David shared.
A Transformative Graduate Experience
David’s time in graduate school has been shaped by his involvement in multiple organizations. As the Vice President of Sigma Tau Delta (Psi Omicron), a member of the Black Graduate Student Association, and a graduate assistant with the Academic Advising Center, he values the connections he has made with peers and faculty.
A defining moment in his journey was securing his Graduate Assistantship with the Academic Advising Center. This opportunity provided him not only financial stability but also invaluable teaching experience through the department’s Academic Strategies course, where he developed his instructional skills at the university level.
Overcoming Challenges and Words of Advice
Balancing coursework, research, a thesis, and organizational responsibilities has been David’s biggest challenge. Managing 5 p.m. classes, weekly essays, discussions, and leadership roles requires careful time management.
His advice to other students?
"If you know your destination, every wrong turn becomes a valuable part of the journey.
Embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn. Break tasks into manageable steps, ask
for help when needed, and remember that perseverance leads to success."
Future Goals: A Career in Academia
David’s ultimate goal is to become a university professor specializing in language acquisition and Japanese linguistics. He hopes to teach both in the U.S. and internationally, fostering stronger connections
between Japanese and English speakers through research on linguistic transfer.
Inspired by faculty mentors like Dr. Daryl Anderson and Dr. Fuentes, David has decided to apply to the University of Memphis' Applied Linguistics Ph.D. program to further his research in cross-cultural communication and ESL education.
A Lasting Connection to UofM
When reflecting on his most memorable experiences at UofM, David highlights his Spring 2021 commencement ceremony at the Liberty Bowl stadium. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the university ensured graduates had the opportunity to celebrate their achievements in person—a moment that underscored UofM’s commitment to student success.
As he continues his academic journey, David remains dedicated to breaking down language barriers and shaping the future of linguistic education.