“The professors’ aim is to make the learning environment safe and welcoming to facilitate an environment that is optimal for learning.”
Jorge was drawn to the Spanish major at Gustavus as someone who grew up speaking Spanish. Being born in Guatemala, he says, “I enjoy learning about the diverse cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.”
Jorge is also able to incorporate his Spanish studies into his other major, Business Management, in which he is “learning how to manage and work in a global business environment.”
One of the things that Jorge appreciates the most about the Modern Languages, Literatures & Cultures Department is its focus on experiential learning. Specifically, he enjoyed the opportunity to have online conversations with Spanish speakers from Spain. He says, “This was a wonderful experience because it allowed us to get first-hand experience with native Spanish speakers and the opportunity to learn about aspects of each other’s cultures that felt more personable.”
Jorge also points to the class sizes as a valuable aspect of the department. Small class sizes foster important discussions that include everyone in the class. He says the classes are “the perfect size that allows everyone’s voice to be heard and provides a safe and encouraging space to share thoughts and ideas.”
Jorge has also appreciated the opportunity to do work outside of the classroom. Spanish majors from the MLLC department were given the opportunity to do weekly learning sessions at the St. Peter Community Center, helping to teach English to Spanish speakers from Guatemala and Mexico. This experience allowed Jorge to welcome people into the St. Peter community and help them adapt to the English language, while also using his Spanish speaking skills to communicate effectively. He says, “We learned a lot from each other, and it gave us many valuable lessons and skills that translate to any situation in life.”
The faculty within the department have also been an important part of the Spanish major for Jorge. They have not only helped with the Spanish language, but also in improving other intellectual skills. Jorge says they have “helped me challenge myself to improve my critical thinking skills, my writing ability, and they have helped me feel more comfortable with expressing myself in Spanish.”
In addition to his academic endeavors, Jorge is also a member of the Organization for Latinx American Students and the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra.
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