Specialization
Hispanic Literatures
Research Focus
The Impact of Post-colonization on Peruvian Literature
Thesis Title
TBA
Biography
After gaining experience as a Spanish teacher in the public school system, and having taught adult ESL for many years, I wanted to continue my growth in Spanish Literature. I grew up on the east coast near Washington DC. I am from a mixed background of Italian-American and Peruvian descent. I grew up loving baseball #letsgomets, and (unloving) explaining that alfajores is a Peruvian dessert, not an insult. I love Latin music/dancing, speaking Spanglish, traveling to Spanish-speaking countries, and comedy (i.e. Sebastian Maniscalco, Fluffy).
Academic Background
- BA in Spanish with a minor in Latin American Studies, Brigham Young University
- M.Ed. in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners; Secondary Program ESOL/ESL Education, George Mason University
Courses Taught
- SPAN 205
Future Goals
My future goals include gaining a higher understanding of Spanish: its theory, culture, and teaching. Although still in embryo, I may pursue a PhD in order to teach at a university level in the future. One way or another, I would like to return to the classroom. A personal goal is to revisit Machu Picchu with plenty of time to visit all the historical sites like: Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley, Maras, and the Rainbow Mountains, to name a few.
Advice to Current or Future Graduate Students
Although imposter syndrome is real (at least for me), we are worthy and capable of reaching the high expectations of the program and of our professors. Desire to be better comes with success and failure, and by keeping a fire in the belly, we will reach our potential.
What I like about BYU
I love the fact that I can openly talk about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ here. I also love how involved our faith is in our learning and growth. I cherish being part of a community that aspires to be close to heaven to work on being better every day. People are so kind, and comradery is an understatement to BYU, especially in the Spanish and Portuguese department.
