Majors: English and Ethnic and Race Studies
Minors: Gender and Women’s Studies and Spanish
Why did you choose your majors and minors?
I chose english because I have always been fascinated with reading and literature. I knew that I wanted to go into teaching, and english was always my favorite class in grade school, so that encouraged me to pursue english in college. However, I have always been passionate about approaching english with a social justice lens. In high school I was fascinated with learning about untold stories of minorities. I became invested in trying to read more literature that connected with my experiences as a First Generation Latina Woman. I found novels like I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez, and so many others that pushed me toward approaching ethnic studies. Teaching with a diversity perspective is the reason why I decided to blend all my majors and minors together.
Would you recommend them to a future student? Why?
Yes! In fact I have already. I am a Resident Assistant on campus and I encouraged one of my residents last year to try out an ethnic and race studies class. She did and she is now a registered ethnic and race studies major. One of the reasons why I encourage this major so much is because it’s interdisciplinary within other Cal Lutheran departments. So, I have taken different classes in the religion department, criminology, sociology, etc. Therefore, you receive different approaches and perspectives about ethnic and race studies. It is also a newer major offered by Cal Lutheran so it’s so exciting to see it grow and change.
What are your future plans?
After graduating from Cal Lutheran, my plan is to attend graduate school to get a teaching credential to become a secondary teacher. Maybe one day, I’ll be a college professor!
Are there any particular experiences — in or out of the classroom — that have helped you identify that path?
My grandma was a teacher in Mexico before she immigrated to the United States, so I always grew up heavily valuing education and learning in my life. I have worked with children in different capacities through different jobs, and I just love the ability to teach something new and encourage students to reach their full potential.