Meet some of our Spanish Studies majors.
Tessa Calado
Hometown: Mountain View, CA
Major: Spanish Studies, CTSJ minor: linguistics
Can you describe your working relationships with Spanish professors? Are there any standout classes you鈥檝e taken?
The professors in the Spanish department are always happy to talk and answer questions鈥擨 always look forward to going to office hours and am very grateful for their support! I appreciate that they offer a wide range of classes within the department, from classes on literature and film to human rights and linguistics. At the moment, I鈥檓 enjoying my History of the Spanish Language class, and last semester I took a class called Culture, Resistance, and the Politics of Human Rights in the Americas. I love how these classes challenged me to use Spanish in very different ways and learn about different Spanish-speaking communities.
What do you find most compelling about studying Spanish?
I love studying Spanish because it has allowed me to connect with more people, content, and ideas in ways that I would not have expected but which have been some of the most fulfilling parts of my college experience. By learning Spanish, I鈥檓 also working to think in different ways and broaden my perspective.
I love studying Spanish because it has allowed me to connect with more people, content, and ideas in ways that I would not have expected but which have been some of the most fulfilling parts of my college experience.
What are your ambitions post-麻豆频道and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?
After Oxy, I hope to get a master鈥檚 degree in social work. I think this potential future has been shaped by the different disciplines I鈥檝e been able to explore at Oxy. The liberal arts approach encouraged me to learn about a range of perspectives and practices throughout many of the school鈥檚 departments, and as a result I鈥檝e been able to discover what fields I feel most passionate about and experiment with how I can apply class content to the real world.
Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Spanish?
I would encourage any students considering a Spanish major to talk to others in the department! I learned a lot by asking older students about their experiences and by talking with our professors about what they teach and are passionate about. The comps presentations given by seniors majoring in Spanish are also a great way to see what areas of study and kinds of approaches are often practiced by Spanish majors. Going to the comps presentations helped me better understand whether my academic interests matched the department鈥檚.
Sophia Baker
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Major: Spanish Studies, UEP
Did you study abroad? How did it enhance your education?
I studied abroad in Granada, Spain in the spring of 2024 and I felt very prepared for the program because of my classes in the Spanish department. I had achieved a solid level of Spanish abilities through my classes, in addition to a cultural background of Spain. I specifically took a course about the country (Francoism in Spain) before I went abroad, and I feel that it gave me a great background for the political history of Spain. Studying abroad strengthened my Spanish skills and gave me the confidence to communicate in Spanish in everyday settings. Overall, my study abroad experience was deeply transformative and I feel very grateful for the skills and support the Spanish department provided me.
I've always been encouraged to delve into my interests, and I feel very genuinely supported by the department. The vibe of the Spanish department is energetic and exciting, and the events put on by the department are always a lot of fun.
Can you describe your working relationships with Spanish professors? Are there any standout classes you鈥檝e taken?
Working with Spanish professors has been a joy. The professors I've taken classes with are very passionate about their work and their classes. I have always felt comfortable going into office hours, and I feel supported both academically and personally. The Spanish and French department mixers are always really fun because there's great free food, and it's a chance to connect with professors and other students studying Spanish. A favorite class of mine was Gender & Sexuality in Spain because it was a really interesting mix of theory, literature, and pop culture content. I enjoyed the lively class discussions and the student presentations.
What is the 鈥渧ibe鈥 of the Spanish department?
The Spanish department is super welcoming, and because so many people take Spanish classes at Oxy, it ends up creating a great support network for a lot of students on campus. I've always been encouraged to delve into my interests, and I feel very genuinely supported by the department. The vibe of the Spanish department is energetic and exciting, and the events put on by the department are always a lot of fun.
Jazmin Calderon-Arreola
Hometown: Portland, OR
Major: Spanish Studies; Minors: public health, kinesiology
What was your motivation to major in Spanish Studies?
As a Mexican-American and a Spanish heritage speaker, it's important to me to continue studying in Spanish since language is a big part of my culture. Spanish is also a beautiful language and I wanted to expand my overall mastery of it by continuing to speak, read, and write in Spanish in a formal setting. I aim to use my Spanish major and my minors to serve the Latinx population, and I believe that the major is a great complement to any other academic field.
Can you describe your working relationships with your Spanish professors? Are there any standout classes you鈥檝e taken?
All of the Spanish professors are amazing. They are passionate about what they teach, care about their students, and are always glad to help. The professors actively engage students with the material, encourage critical thinking, and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable. I've enjoyed all of the Spanish classes I've taken at Oxy, but the class that stood out the most for me is "Introduction to Pre-Columbian and Colonial Latin American Literature and Civilization" with Professor [Salvador] Fern谩ndez. It was great to focus on and learn about the literature and civilization of native people in the Americas, which is unfortunately often neglected.
Did you study abroad? How did it complement and/or enhance your major course of study?
I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain the fall semester of my junior year in a Spanish literature program. Studying abroad in a Spanish-speaking country gave me the opportunity to use and further develop my Spanish skills, learn new vocabulary, and gain a deeper appreciation for dialectal differences. Not only was it interesting to hear the dialectal differences, but I could connect what I was hearing to what I learned in my linguistics courses.
What are your post-麻豆频道ambitions and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?
I plan to pursue a master's degree in public health to help improve the health of the low-income and BIPOC community. Oxy's liberal arts education has shown me the interconnectedness of different disciplines, such as the relation between health and social justice, and has prepared me to think critically when solving problems.
Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Spanish Studies?
The students and professors in the Spanish department are very friendly and supportive. Don't be afraid to reach out if you are interested and want to know more. The Spanish department encompasses a lot more than just language classes, offering a variety of courses in literature, linguistics, and culture, so be open to explore different courses since there's something for different interests.
Noah Yee Yick
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
Majors: Spanish Literature, Diplomacy & World Affairs
What was your motivation to major in Spanish Studies?
I spent six years living abroad in both Mexico City and Guatemala City, where not only the Spanish language but also Latin American culture was ingrained. I knew I was going to major in Spanish from the beginning, but it was sort of 鈥渏ust because鈥 I was already fluent. But after my first two semesters I knew I was majoring in Spanish because it was one of my passions, not 鈥渏ust because.鈥 I began to truly enjoy Spanish literature (Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Isabel Allende, and of course, Cervantes), which is something I never could have imagined, and I unearthed a passion for sociolinguistics and tying together language with the sociopolitical dynamics in the United States.
Can you describe your working relationships with your Spanish professors?
I truly adore all of my Spanish professors and the entire department! From Cervantine literature classes with Professor [Felisa] Guill茅n to sociolinguistic classes with Professor [Mari拧ka] Bolyanatz Brown. I view them more as mentors and role models than as just my professors. They set high expectations and make you push yourself, but it all seems simple and fun with their constant support and encouragement.
Have you taken part in any student research opportunities at Oxy?
I am hoping to do some sociolinguistic research and analysis with Professor Bolyanatz regarding linguistic attitudes towards Spanish in the U.S. (more specifically, in Los Angeles). I don鈥檛 have anything set in stone yet, but I feel prepared to do research on my own and know that my professors will always be available to help.
Are you planning to study abroad?
I was supposed to study abroad in Madrid this fall, but unfortunately I was not able to [due to the pandemic]. Because I am double majoring in Spanish and Diplomacy & World Affairs, I do not think I will be able to study abroad before I graduate. Spanish comps are in the fall and DWA comps are in the Spring. While I know that adjustments could be made to accomodate this conflict, I do not think I would be able to handle both comps in one semester. I am planning on applying for grants to do research abroad and in that way get a little taste of what it would have been like.
What do you find most compelling about studying Spanish?
Studying Spanish at 麻豆频道has shown me that Spanish is a lot more than just what you learn in K-12. I never thought literature could be so powerful, but through various classes at 麻豆频道I have had my eyes opened as to how impactful it can be. I feel so lucky to have learned about sociolinguistics as well. I feel like it is the perfect combination of the things I am most passionate about: Spanish, equity, and diplomacy.
What are your post-麻豆频道ambitions and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?
I have no idea what I want to do, but I feel like the world is my oyster. The liberal arts approach has provided me with such a broad base of knowledge and a strong ability to take a critical perspective on so many different things that I really feel prepared to pursue whatever comes my way. The Spanish major itself opens up so many doors for me. One of the many 鈥減aths鈥 I have imagined is living in Madrid after I graduate, taking classes to get my master鈥檚 in Spanish at the University of Madrid, and then coming back to the U.S. and pursuing a PhD in Spanish to become a professor (maybe at Oxy, who knows!).
Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Spanish Studies?
Take classes with an open mind and a willingness to be taught. The entire department has so much knowledge and expertise that they share and make sure you hold onto. I think most importantly, ask questions, reach out to your professors, and build relationships with them and other Spanish majors. The Spanish community at 麻豆频道is so fun to be a part of. Lastly, don鈥檛 make your decision after taking one class. The classes I have enjoyed most have been the upper-level courses (300+) that are no longer focused on grammar, spelling, etc. but instead delve into really interesting topics.
Sofie Brown
Hometown: Davis, CA
Major: Spanish Studies; Minor: history
What was your motivation to major in Spanish Studies? Was there a specific inspirational moment or experience?
When I entered 麻豆频道I knew that I wanted to major or minor in Spanish Studies, and after taking my first 300-level course鈥攁 small class of 9 students鈥擨 had such an amazing experience, which confirmed that I wanted to keep taking Spanish courses. Ever since my second semester freshman year I started referring to myself as a Spanish Studies major and then I formally declared in my sophomore year.
Can you describe your working relationships with your Spanish professors? Are there any standout classes you鈥檝e taken?
The Spanish professors are all so amazing and I feel fortunate to have taken a class from almost every one. I really enjoy going to office hours and talking with my professors. The commitment that 麻豆频道faculty have for their students is incredible. For example, one professor worked with me one-on-one to improve my writing and helped me develop more eloquent and formal theses and topic sentences. In another class, when I didn't understand one of the literary theories we discussed, my professor held office hours for me on a Saturday!
Two standout classes I've taken are SPAN 301: 鈥淚ntro to Pre-Colombian and Colonial Latin American Literature and Civilization鈥 and SPAN 342: 鈥淪panish in the United States.鈥 In SPAN 301 I learned important themes and histories, such as racial hierarchies and political tensions, that prepared me for future Spanish and history courses. In SPAN 342, I learned how to differentiate various linguistic features of Spanish-speakers as well as the mechanisms that define Spanglish.
Have you taken part in any student research opportunities at Oxy?
I took SPAN 342 with Professor [Mari拧ka] Bolyanatz Brown, and we did field work in Boyle Heights and the Salvadoran Corridor to compile data on LAVS (Los Angeles Vernacular Spanish), Salvadorian Spanish and Mexcian Spanish. I had such a great time that I volunteered to help organize part of our class鈥檚 data and later contributed to an annotated bibliography. I believe Professor Bolyanatz Brown is anticipating publishing our class's findings. In the spring semester I plan to do an Honors Thesis under the guidance of Professor [Viviana] MacManus on the legacy of Eva Per贸n and the controversies regarding her ability to be labeled a feminist.
What are your post-麻豆频道ambitions?
With the support of the National & International Fellowship Office, my Fulbright adviser (Professor Raul Villa), and my Spanish adviser (Professor Bolyanatz Brown), I applied for an ETA position in Uruguay. Regardless of whether I receive a Fulbright, I intend to spend a gap year teaching English in a Spanish-speaking country and then apply for a PhD program in Latin American literature and culture. My experience at Oxy, working and learning under such amazing professors, makes me want to attend graduate school with the hopes that I will be able to work in a similar liberal arts environment in the future.
Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Spanish Studies?
I would encourage all students to take advantage of office hours and take a variety of courses offered by the department!
Lana Parke-Reimer
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
Majors: Spanish Studies, cognitive science; Minor: linguistics
What was your motivation to major in Spanish Studies? Was there a specific inspirational moment or experience?
As soon as I started learning Spanish in seventh grade I was hooked and wanted to continue learning up to fluency. I took Spanish throughout highschool and pretty much knew I wanted to major in it when I came to Oxy. I also was interested in 麻豆频道because it was in Los Angeles, where there are a lot of Spanish speakers and opportunities to use the language. The Spanish classes I have taken at 麻豆频道have been really thought provoking and continued to fuel my motivation to study Spanish.
What do you find most compelling about studying Spanish?
I love being a Spanish major because unlike Spanish classes in high school where you are mostly just trying to get better at speaking, reading, writing and listening to the language, once you get to the 300 level classes at 麻豆频道you get to talk about relevant societal and historical issues while speaking in Spanish. For people whose first language is not Spanish, there are always new things to learn about the language and even though I like to call myself fluent, there are always ways I can improve. I also love that at 麻豆频道you can explore different facets of Spanish, specifically linguistics, literature and culture. At first I was very into the humanities-based classes where we discussed literature, plays and movies, but I later realized that I am also super into the linguistics and more scienc-y side as well.
What are your post-麻豆频道ambitions and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?
One career pathway that I鈥檝e considered is being a Spanish teacher or professor. I worked as a camp counselor at a Spanish immersion summer camp and also volunteered at the Spanish community literacy center at Occidental to get a sense of what teaching is like. I am also considering going into a linguistics-related career like speech language pathology, but my background in Spanish would also benefit this career because it gives me another linguistic perspective and helps me communicate with a wider variety of people.
Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Spanish Studies?
My advice would be to think deeply about the literature, plays and films you read and watch for class because in-class discussions can be super fun! I would also suggest taking some of the linguistics-based Spanish courses. Professors Shelton and Bolyanatz Brown both are very skilled in what they teach and the classes are very interesting. Also, Spanish is the only language at 麻豆频道that has these linguistic overlap courses. I also recommend going to see the peer language advisors! I started working as one this semester and many students come to chat in Spanish and work on their conversational skills, but you can also come to get help on understanding readings or writing essays, among other things.
To see more Meet Our Majors profiles, visit the main page.