Looking Back
Throughout my educational experience, my studies have provided me with numerous opportunities to develop skills connected to the relationship between language and culture. On one hand, I’ve gained Spanish proficiency skills in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. These allowed me to culturally immerse myself into my study abroad experience, which I spent in Santiago, Chile during the Fall 2023 semester. On the other hand, I’ve used my language skills to contribute to the improvement of my local community. Specifically, I worked with a group of my peers to translate exhibition signage at the Discovery Center of Idaho from Spanish to English; once translations were complete, I also volunteered as a Spanish-speaking exhibition guide on the Discovery Center’s “Multilingual Day.” Overall, studying Spanish while minoring in Visual Art and Political Science has resulted in skills including cultural competency, adaptability, and a global perspective.
Looking Forward
While I am uncertain about my future, I hope to enter a career field that allows me to continue exploring the interconnectedness of the world. Whether it involves international relations, creative expression, or public service, I’m committed to making a positive impact and contributing to a more equitable global community. Another goal of mine is to continue learning languages. I am confident in my Spanish skills, and I would love to expand upon my knowledge of the world in the context of language.
Next Steps
To achieve my goals, I plan to take steps that build upon my previous experiences and skills. For example, I plan to seek out internship opportunities that foster growth in areas like global communication, cross-cultural collaboration, and community engagement. After graduating Boise State, I’m also interested in furthering my education through a Graduate Certificate in International Affairs or Immigration Studies.