Zachary Grover

Hola!
My name is Zachary Grover. I am a Spanish major at CSU Monterey Bay with an emphasis on
Spanish Language and Culture. This ePortfolio has been created to display my capstone project and
demonstrate how I completed the major learning outcomes of the Spanish major at CSUMB.
Table of Contents:
ILP
Resume
Capstone Project
Service Learning
MLO 1 Language Proficiency
MLO 2 Language and Linguistic Knowledge
MLO 3 Literary and Cultural Knowledge
MLO 4 Secondary Culture
MLO 5 Cultural Praxis
MLO 6 Information Technology Literacy
Integrative Narrative
Upon my arrival at CSUMB, I was uncertain which major to follow. My decision to study business was made
because it seemed to be the most practical option. Through my undergraduate courses, I took three Spanish
classes and was intrigued by the subject matter. The Spanish teachers would frequently speak of the Study
Abroad program and encourage the students to participate. In addition to this the Spanish building was always
decorated with posters of international destinations and Study Abroad information. Many of my professors and
colleagues spoke of the wonders of travel and the benefits of doing so while young. I also became friends with
some international students, and thought to myself, if they can do it, so can I. During my sophomore year, I
made the decision to Study Abroad in Spain. I knew it would add a few semesters to my time at CSUMB, but it
seemed entirely worth it.
From August 2010 to July 2011 I lived in Granada, Spain. Through this experience I was faced with difficult
times; missing my family and friends, assimilating to a far different culture, and learning a new language. I was
often frustrated but did everything I could to make the most of it. I knew upon my return, I would not be the
same. Throughout the trips I took around the country and the places which came to be my favorites in the city, I
learned to love my life abroad. It was so exotic and full of interesting new ideas and feelings. I felt entirely
exposed emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Like a child, I absorbed everything around me and attempted to
interpret this new place. At times I was elated, and at times I was depressed. Finally, when the time came to
return to California, I had achieved an advanced level of Spanish skills, I had created a vast network of new
international friends, and had seen a myriad of amazing things.
Upon my return to Monterey, the decision was very easily made to pursue a degree in Spanish as well. I would
have to dedicate an entire year to the final stages of the business major, and then do the same for Spanish. It
seemed well worth it and I pressed on. The Spanish Capstone course combined all of the courses, experiences,
and ideas from my Spanish journey and consolidated them into a final project.
The Islamic influence in southern Spain was something that had a profound impact on me. I was always
fascinated by the architecture and stories that came from this time period. For these reasons, I decided to
analyze the Islamic influence on the architecture of the Mosque of Cordoba and the Alhambra of Granada. This
project proved to be very interesting and my passion only grew. Now, at the end of this epic journey, I am
inspired to continue traveling the world and exploring Spanish speaking countries. I desire to pursue a career in
international eco-tourism and eventually own a business in this industry. The theories, ideas, and lessons I
learned at CSUMB have left a permanent imprint on me and have created a clear path that I will follow after
graduation.
My name is Zachary Grover. I am a Spanish major at CSU Monterey Bay with an emphasis on
Spanish Language and Culture. This ePortfolio has been created to display my capstone project and
demonstrate how I completed the major learning outcomes of the Spanish major at CSUMB.
Table of Contents:
ILP
Resume
Capstone Project
Service Learning
MLO 1 Language Proficiency
MLO 2 Language and Linguistic Knowledge
MLO 3 Literary and Cultural Knowledge
MLO 4 Secondary Culture
MLO 5 Cultural Praxis
MLO 6 Information Technology Literacy
Integrative Narrative
Upon my arrival at CSUMB, I was uncertain which major to follow. My decision to study business was made
because it seemed to be the most practical option. Through my undergraduate courses, I took three Spanish
classes and was intrigued by the subject matter. The Spanish teachers would frequently speak of the Study
Abroad program and encourage the students to participate. In addition to this the Spanish building was always
decorated with posters of international destinations and Study Abroad information. Many of my professors and
colleagues spoke of the wonders of travel and the benefits of doing so while young. I also became friends with
some international students, and thought to myself, if they can do it, so can I. During my sophomore year, I
made the decision to Study Abroad in Spain. I knew it would add a few semesters to my time at CSUMB, but it
seemed entirely worth it.
From August 2010 to July 2011 I lived in Granada, Spain. Through this experience I was faced with difficult
times; missing my family and friends, assimilating to a far different culture, and learning a new language. I was
often frustrated but did everything I could to make the most of it. I knew upon my return, I would not be the
same. Throughout the trips I took around the country and the places which came to be my favorites in the city, I
learned to love my life abroad. It was so exotic and full of interesting new ideas and feelings. I felt entirely
exposed emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Like a child, I absorbed everything around me and attempted to
interpret this new place. At times I was elated, and at times I was depressed. Finally, when the time came to
return to California, I had achieved an advanced level of Spanish skills, I had created a vast network of new
international friends, and had seen a myriad of amazing things.
Upon my return to Monterey, the decision was very easily made to pursue a degree in Spanish as well. I would
have to dedicate an entire year to the final stages of the business major, and then do the same for Spanish. It
seemed well worth it and I pressed on. The Spanish Capstone course combined all of the courses, experiences,
and ideas from my Spanish journey and consolidated them into a final project.
The Islamic influence in southern Spain was something that had a profound impact on me. I was always
fascinated by the architecture and stories that came from this time period. For these reasons, I decided to
analyze the Islamic influence on the architecture of the Mosque of Cordoba and the Alhambra of Granada. This
project proved to be very interesting and my passion only grew. Now, at the end of this epic journey, I am
inspired to continue traveling the world and exploring Spanish speaking countries. I desire to pursue a career in
international eco-tourism and eventually own a business in this industry. The theories, ideas, and lessons I
learned at CSUMB have left a permanent imprint on me and have created a clear path that I will follow after
graduation.