Spanish language and Hispanic culture has been a part of my life since I was born. And I mean literally since I was born as my father is from El Salvador and has family from all around Latin America. Although I have always been interested in my Hispanic identity, it was in 7th grade when I actually started learning the language through my junior high school courses. If I wasn’t hooked before, my courses solidified my interest in Spanish-speaking countries their unique practices, customs, and culture. Connecting with my Hispanic identity has been a major motivator and personal goal of mine for my summer study abroad experience here in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. For the month of June I will be immersed in Spanish culture and language, all the while learning more about myself and growing along the way.
I can remember the excitement of visiting relatives in Colombia and Panama in both junior high and high school. The feelings of satisfaction and pride from being able to order from restaurants in Spanish or to communicate with my family members. All of my previous experiences in Spanish-speaking countries have been with my family and for the purpose of visiting family. I never really had to hold my own in a Spanish-speaking area, let alone another country. To me this means being able to successfully navigate while abroad, plan logistics for activities (and being able to pivot to a plan b…), as well as coordinate events with my peers. I look to gain the confidence and competence in myself to be able to find my way around Spain and plan a variety of activities.
As I am nearing the end of my undergraduate experience at the University of Pittsburgh, I’ve been thinking much about my career post-grad and what I can do now to prepare for transition. I would like to further develop my professional and interpersonal skill of communication as I converse with strangers and peers alike. I know that these skills and experiences will come in handy as I graduate in August 2025 and will begin working in a full-time research position in the fall. I will be working in a networking and outreach-heavy position. My thoughts are: if I can converse with others in another country and in another language, surely I can communicate effectively in my native country and native tongue!
Last of all, during my study abroad experience, I will be taking many steps out of my comfort zone. It is very easy for me to fall into a rigid schedule, feeling the pressure to be productive in preparing for my career as well as in schoolwork. Spanish culture is known to be easygoing with people taking life slow and really enjoying the little things (such as a nice dinner or an interesting conversation with a friend). This unique cultural aspect sticks out very much to me, especially as a busy college student. All in all, I hope to bring this omnipresent appreciation of life, friends, and family back to the United States with me.