What is your major?
I am double majoring in Urban Studies and
Spanish Studies.
What is something you wish everyone knew about your major?
Spanish. Upper division Spanish classes are more focused on language practice and less about having perfect grammar. While grammar is important, you can usually get your message across even if you make a few mistakes conjugating verbs. A lot of people (myself included) are hesitant to speak new languages because they know they will make mistakes, but mistakes are a part of learning!
What was your most impactful class?
The class that impacted me most was a Migrations Seminar focusing on Immigrants, Refugees, and Dreamers that I took with Dr. Mondesir. This class encouraged me to pursue an internship (and now career) working with migrant communities. I will always be grateful for Dr. Mondesir's class because it began to open my eyes to the expansive and complex topic of immigration.
What are some of your career goals?
In August, I plan to move to Quito, Ecuador to work with Living and Learning International (one of the Study Abroad Office's partner programs) for ten months. I hope to continue to improve my Spanish skills, so that I can eventually pursue a career working with Spanish-speaking migrant communities here in the United States. In the future, I would love to work for World Relief (where I am currently interning) or one of their partner organizations to join in the work they are doing to serve and empower immigrants, refugees, and asylees in King County and beyond.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
My advice to incoming students is to learn how to rest and set healthy boundaries for yourself. It can be easy to forget to rest and care for yourself during the business of college. I have learned that rest and sleep are not equivalent, so I encourage everyone to discover what rest means to them. Also, it is also okay to say “no” sometimes. It can be difficult to say no to plans, especially if it is something you want to do. One of my advisors once told me, "saying no is an act of self-care." So, my advice to incoming freshman is that it is okay to say “no” sometimes and set boundaries for yourself when you do not have the capacity to do something.