The influence of the IU Spanish and Portuguese Department has been integral in my Spanish Language development since I studied abroad with the IU Honors Program in Foreign Language in my junior year of high school. During this program, I met one of my amazing mentors Teaching Professor Israel Herrera who has continued to guide me through my time here on campus. In my freshman year, I was inducted into Sigma Delta Pi National Hispanic honor society, an organization advised by Teaching Professor Herrera, and I was recently appointed co-president of the society this past semester.

Last summer, I was able to study abroad again in Santiago de Chile with the IES internship program where I was able to gain accelerated professional and language development. As an intern, I was able to shadow the psychologist at a private catholic school focused on providing resources for immigrant children in a lower-income neighborhood a little outside of the city. I also worked for IES as a photography correspondent, in which I was able to document my journey and share it with their marketing team. Traveling to Chile was extremely impactful for my continued love for learning Spanish, as well as recognizing my potential to speak it in a professional setting. This trip to Chile was only possible due to Indiana University’s partnership with IES as well as a lovely recommendation from Prof. Rhi Johnson.

This past spring, I was able to complete an honors thesis in Spanish with my advisor Prof. Alejandro Mejías-López who not only reminded me of my potential but gave me an opportunity to combine all of my interests in this one project. Having the chance to incorporate my love for Spanish culture, Black film, and Psychology was unforgettable and I am so grateful for his guidance along the way. Additionally, I would like to thank Prof. Patrick Dove and Prof. Rhi Johnson for being on my thesis committee, their wisdom and motivation mean the world to me.

As I enter my senior year at Indiana University, I plan to finish another honors thesis in Psychology, in addition to graduating with honors in Spanish. My academic success would not be possible without the phenomenal staff of the Spanish and Portuguese Department, and I want to send my deepest appreciation to everyone I have met along the way.