Samantha Perez
When I was a child I would talk to my grandma all the time, about everything. Almost every day we would go to church to recite prayers, sing songs, and light candles. Then I was old enough to be enrolled in pre-school. From what I remember I liked pre-school and had lots of fun making friends. At some point in middle school I realized I did not talk to my grandma anymore. Somewhere a long the way it became too difficult to talk to each other. Although she tries her best to communicate in English, my grandma speaks mainly in Spanish. As I grew older and continued to use English at home, I slowly lost my ability to communicate in Spanish. My grandma and I lost touch even though she would take care of me after school everyday. When I was looking at colleges in my senior year of high school I knew my major would be in Spanish. I wanted to master the native language of my grandmother and our ancestors.
California State University Monterey Bay sent me my acceptance letter and I knew right away I would be attending in the Fall. My goals, upon entering this school, were to develop my Spanish language abilities. As the years have gone on I feel as though I have achieved that. I am now able to communicate with all of my grandparents in Spanish and any other family members. Often times, when I am at work, I use Spanish to communicate with coworkers and guests. My skills in the Spanish language have developed in all areas; reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Although my original intentions were to improve my Spanish skills, I am proud to say I have obtained knowledge in many different cultures. In past semesters I have learned about the Mayan, Spanish, Japanese, and many more cultures. One day I wish to share this knowledge with whomever is willing to listen, but first I would like to visit many of the locations of the cultures I learned about. Being able to bring to life everything I learned in class would be an amazing experience. I have definitely achieved my original goals and more.
I do not yet consider myself to have mastered the Spanish language. California State University Monterey Bay has taught me so much about many different cultures and the Spanish language. My worldly view has grown since the beginning of my educational career at California State University Monterey Bay. Because of the work I have done I know now I want to continue my education in Spanish, gain Spanish fluency, and work in Bilingual Education (my capstone topic). Although I do not know what my next step will be I do know I want to obtain a certificate in Translation and Interpretation as well as a Masters degree in Spanish. Eventually, I would also like to become involved in the Bilingual Education community and help further the academic success of English Language Learners. There is still a lot for me to learn and I look forward to it.
The WLC Capstone Festival
California State University Monterey Bay sent me my acceptance letter and I knew right away I would be attending in the Fall. My goals, upon entering this school, were to develop my Spanish language abilities. As the years have gone on I feel as though I have achieved that. I am now able to communicate with all of my grandparents in Spanish and any other family members. Often times, when I am at work, I use Spanish to communicate with coworkers and guests. My skills in the Spanish language have developed in all areas; reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Although my original intentions were to improve my Spanish skills, I am proud to say I have obtained knowledge in many different cultures. In past semesters I have learned about the Mayan, Spanish, Japanese, and many more cultures. One day I wish to share this knowledge with whomever is willing to listen, but first I would like to visit many of the locations of the cultures I learned about. Being able to bring to life everything I learned in class would be an amazing experience. I have definitely achieved my original goals and more.
I do not yet consider myself to have mastered the Spanish language. California State University Monterey Bay has taught me so much about many different cultures and the Spanish language. My worldly view has grown since the beginning of my educational career at California State University Monterey Bay. Because of the work I have done I know now I want to continue my education in Spanish, gain Spanish fluency, and work in Bilingual Education (my capstone topic). Although I do not know what my next step will be I do know I want to obtain a certificate in Translation and Interpretation as well as a Masters degree in Spanish. Eventually, I would also like to become involved in the Bilingual Education community and help further the academic success of English Language Learners. There is still a lot for me to learn and I look forward to it.
The WLC Capstone Festival
