Modern Languages and Literatures

How did you explore your interests and decide on a major/majors?

My Mexican heritage has always been an important part of my life. I use music and dance to connect with it. I explored my interests before college by playing music in Spanish. Senior year of high school I explored my interests by taking an AP Spanish course. In college I took a creative writing class with Professor Barr, where we read and wrote poetry in Spanish. The figurative language really interested me and solidified what I had known; that different languages carry different ways of thinking and expressing yourself. I thought about becoming a Spanish teacher because I wanted to share that experience with my students. Spanish is not just a language, but it carries many cultures and worlds within it. I also knew that since I understand the process of learning a foreign language, I could put myself in the shoes of my students and make language learning a meaningful experience for them.

Describe a moment or experience you had in college that helped define your career path (coursework, internship, study abroad, student organization, etc.)

Studying abroad helped define my career for me. I knew two countries well at the time, Mexico, and the United States. With Lake Forest College, I was able to know a third country! I was an English teacher’s assistant in Granada Spain. This is an opportunity I will never forget. Exploring the multifaceted, layered experiences of the Spanish language motivated me to share it with others. Traveling opens the world for you and I wanted to do the same for my students. 

What steps did you take at Lake Forest College to prepare for your career?

My internship during my study abroad program helped me define my career path; I was able to experience different grades to see which I connected with the most. Student teaching also prepared me. I started to develop my teaching style and put into practice all the theory we learned in class. I taught levels 1 and 3 at Grayslake Central High School. The Education Department at Lake Forest College supported me with a mentor who gave me consistent feedback. There, I started to  develop good relationships with the students and I realized that it felt natural to work with teenagers. I felt I had found my purpose.

What would you recommend Lake Forest College students considering a career in your field do to prepare?

If you're interested in a teaching field you should network so you can ask questions of other teachers about what is a typical day for them. If you have the chance, go observe a class, or shadow their day. If you’re learning a language - travel! Take advantage of the amazing study abroad opportunities Lake Forest College offers. 

How did the Department of Modern Languages, other departments, Career Advancement Center and/or the Forester community give you an edge on taking your first steps after graduation?

Lake Forest College supported us by making sure we were prepared for our interviews. They had workshops where we reviewed our resumes and cover letters. They also trained us for interviews so when it was time we were polished and prepared. Lake Forest College has a great reputation for their Education program and I felt confident when graduating that I would find a job that was the right fit for me. 

What have you found the most rewarding in your career and life after graduation?

Helping young learners and inspiring the new generation to achieve their goals has been the most rewarding experience for me after graduation. I want my students to reach their dreams and explore the world. Showing students that Spanish is something they can use to connect with others has been particularly rewarding. I enjoy seeing them realize that they WILL use the language in our ever-evolving global society. Feeling that I have made a difference with my students and enjoying the relationships we have created motivates me to become a better teacher.