"At CBU, I did not simply learn about the language, but interacted in it. Since graduation, I have worked as a Spanish teacher and continue to use just about everything that I learned from the Spanish department in my professional life."
Quick Facts
Program: B.A. in Spanish
Graduation Year: 2015
Current Job Title: Spanish Teacher
Hometown: Yucaipa, CA
Current City: Costa Mesa, CA
Life at CBU
Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I was originally interested in Spanish because my girlfriend, now my wife, is Mexican-American
and her entire family speaks Spanish. However, I grew to love the language while working
with Dr. Noé Ruvalcaba at CBU.
What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I liked that the faculty was always accessible and that they prepared me for the real
world. We did not simply learn about the language, but interacted in it.
What did you think about your professors?
I built great relationships with the Spanish professors at CBU. I had the opportunity
to work with Dr. Ruvalcaba and he became more of a friend than a professor once I
graduated. He always went the extra mile as a professor and ensured that I was prepared
for anything in the Spanish-speaking world.
Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
I also participated in cross country and track and field at CBU. I have great memories
of competing collegiately and made some of my best friends to this day on the team.
How did you grow as a person (spiritually, socially, educationally) while in this
program at CBU?
I grew significantly in my spiritual walk while at CBU. Before CBU, I would describe
myself as a “lukewarm” Christian. I said that I was Christian, but I do not think
there was any real change or evidence of that in my life. When I came to CBU, it was
as if I woke up. I experienced Christ in my life in a real way and committed myself
to him.
Did your major help you figure out your purpose?
My time at CBU made me realize that I wanted to work as a professor at a Christian
university. I had the pleasure of working with amazing Christian mentors and I would
like to do the same for future university students.
Life after CBU
What have you done since graduating?
Since my graduation in 2015, I have worked for 2.5 years as a Spanish teacher. I work
in an Orange County school district and continue to work toward my goal as a Spanish
professor. I have completed two master’s degrees, one in education from CBU and one
in Spanish from the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca in Spain. I was able to partake
in research regarding Mexican studies and my master’s thesis was published by FIDESCU.
How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
My major has prepared me perfectly for a career as a Spanish instructor. I had great
examples in Dr. Ruvalcaba, Dr. Martinez and Dr. Flores. I simply attempt to emulate
their example and teach the concepts that they taught me.
Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life
today?
I use just about everything that I learned from the Spanish department in my professional
life. I also try to live out my Christian beliefs in a secular workplace.
Would you recommend CBU to others?
I would 100% recommend CBU to others due to the Christian atmosphere, excellent professors
and awesome school environment.