My favorite part about my studies is that my learning was never limited to the classroom. My professors actively encouraged me to apply my readings and discussions to the real world, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in two study abroad programs: studying politics and flamenco in Cádiz, Spain and traveling to eastern Cuba to meet with a film studio in the the Sierra Maestra. My professors also provided me with several unique opportunities during my undergraduate experience: I was able to work with the Embassy of Spain’s Cultural Office in DC for a summer internship, work directly with a Cuban filmmaker to translate a short film, and my peers and I curated a Cuban film poster exhibit that was on display in the Botetourt Gallery of Swem Library. The amazing and diverse faculty of the department have ingrained in me a passion for folklore, poetry, film, art, and literature and the importance of listening to all voices.
This fall I will be moving to Spain to teach English with the Auxiliares de Conversación program. While abroad, I plan on applying to graduate programs in the United States to continue my Hispanic Studies and Romance Language education.