College Up Close: Katherine Ropp, Romance studies

“To me, speaking a new language opens new way to interact with others — here and abroad — in a deeper manner,” said junior Katherine Ropp.  

Ropp, who is originally from Chapel Hill, first fell in love with French in high school. She decided to minor in French through the Romance studies department, in part, to be able to understand and connect with others in their native language when she traveled.  

Last spring, she was able to do just that when she studied abroad in Paris. The semester led her to a better understanding of colloquial French and some close friendships, too. 

Back in Chapel Hill, Ropp keeps up her French speaking skills by chatting with her roommates, who also study French. Her favorite class in her minor — “French Conversation 1” — has kept her up-to-date with current events in France and strengthened her skills “to speak in French about more complicated topics.” 

A music major who plays the double bass, Ropp sees her language and artistic studies as working together in harmony.  

“There’s the classic tie of music to a universal language,” Ropp said, adding that “even when you’re ‘fluent’ or a ‘master’ of your instrument, you’re continuing to learn and grow for years and years.” 

An artist of many disciplines, Ropp is a founding member of UNC’s Croquis Club, a new figure-drawing club that provides visual artists a space to practice figure sketching.  

Her all-time favorite Carolina memory happened earlier this semester when she and her friends attended the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra at Carolina Performing Arts and met the principle double bassist.  

“It was two nights of a lifetime,” she said of the concert experience. 

When Ropp imagines her path after Carolina, teaching music full time has her heart. However, through her time as a Tar Heel, she’s begun to imagine how French might continue to be a part of her life, too, through teaching, travel and — possibly — work abroad, just as she dreamed in high school. 

By Jess Abel ’19

Tar Heels of the Week are nominated by professors in their department. Follow us on Instagram to explore more College Up Close.