Where do you call “home” or your “hometown?” 

I grew up in Yakima, Washington. 

What do you study/what is your area of interest? And why did you choose this area?

I studied Spanish and Environmental Studies. Both of these areas have always been important to me and they are both closely linked to my identity. I'm from a Mexican family so I grew up with Spanish as my first language which consequently led to me first developing an appreciation for nature and care for the environment from my Spanish-speaking household. My first informal education came from my parents and it made me appreciate the environment from a different framework than what is typically taught in Western schools.

Do you have a faculty mentor? If so, whom? 

I have had many faculty mentors throughout my time at the university. Some of the professors that have helped me out tremendously through my undergrad include Tim Billo, Sean McDonald, Joyce LeCompte, Angelica Amezcua, and Jose Robles.

Have you studied abroad? If so, where? Tell us a little about this experience. If you have not studied abroad, where would you love to study abroad if you got to choose? 

I have had the privilege of studying abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico and Bangalore, India. During my first year I also participated in a study away program at the Friday Harbor Islands.

Where is your favorite place to study on-campus? 

My favorite place to study is on the third-floor skybridge between the Suzzallo and Allen libraries.

What is one of the many humanities courses you recommend taking?

It is hard narrowing it down but I would suggest taking any poetry class such as SPAN 423: Spanish Poetry: The Golden Age, Sixteenth through Seventeenth Centuries because it is really exciting trying to figure out the meaning behind poetry that was written centuries ago, it gives you a new perspective on the passage of time.

What has been an unforgettable experience during your time at UW thus far? 

An unforgettable experience was making it to the master's program for Hispanic Studies because I did not think that going to graduate school was a possibility for me. When one of my professors from a Spanish class I took last spring quarter told me that I needed to be in the master's program, I did not think much of it and just thanked him for the encouragement. Then during the winter quarter of my senior year, another professor encouraged me to apply to the program and I did it more out of respect to the professors who had encouraged me to apply beforehand. I had also gained a greater admiration for the Spanish department throughout my time here but I would have never expected myself to make it that far. I cannot explain how grateful I am for the professors who motivated me to apply for the master's degree since I would not have made it without their kind words.

How have you used the Humanities Academic Services advising office while on your journey?  

I have used HAS (Humanities Academic Services) for different reasons while being here, I've gone to learn more about study abroad programs, to add a major, and to ask about graduation and whether or not I was on track to graduate. Most recently, I used it to get help with ordering graduation regalia and with figuring out how to get tickets for commencement.

What advice would you give a new student in the humanities? 

I would suggest that they learn more about study abroad programs and go to one. There is just so much that one learns while studying abroad and it is an experience that will teach them things that they can carry with them even after completing the program.