Why did you choose to major/minor in Spanish or pursue a concentration in Latin American, Iberian and Latino Studies?
I arrived at Haverford knowing that I wanted to major in Spanish. I had come from a close-knit and energized language program at my high school, and I was fortunate to find a group of professors with similar values in the Spanish Department at Haverford.
I also knew that I was interested in pursuing a career in secondary education, and the Spanish professors at Haverford helped provide me with opportunities to learn about language pedagogy and put these strategies into practice.
What is your current job and/or career path?
I am currently teaching high school Spanish.
What are your future educational and/or professional goals?
I hope to continue working with high school students. I remember how empowered I felt when I began to develop proficiency in Spanish at that age, and I find so much joy in working with students in these very formative years of their education to help them gain confidence in their ability to communicate. As students of Spanish, we have the great privilege of being able communicate with a huge part of the world, but we certainly don't need to travel far to learn and use the language.
How has the Spanish/LAILS program helped you develop and pursue your professional goals?
I was very fortunate to find a supportive and cohesive community in the Spanish Department at Haverford. Because the department was small, I was able to take courses with nearly all of the faculty and was able to establish relationships with them, which I continue to value to this day. As a student (and now as a teacher) I benefitted enormously from their wide range of research interests and expertise.
I always felt comfortable seeking support from these individuals, whether it be seeking advice about where to study abroad, reassurance about thesis work or even assistance in finding a way to live in La Casa Hispánica for three of my four years.
Having the unique opportunity to work as a teaching assistant in the department for three years allowed me to pursue my passion for teaching and practice many of the skills and techniques that I use daily in my current job.
I am now halfway done with my master's degree in the School of Spanish at Middlebury College. I am enormously grateful to the Spanish and Latin American Studies Departments at Haverford and Bryn Mawr for preparing me thoroughly for this next step and for helping me to develop a strong foundation on which to rely. These individuals' high standards and unwavering encouragement during and after my college career have made me thankful and proud to know and learn from them.
What advice do you have for incoming/potential majors (and minors)?
Never be afraid to ask. Whether your question come from curiosity or uncertainty, you can be sure that your voice will be heard and respected.