Sailor Miao

    I cannot believe it’s finally time to say goodbye to Hispanic Studies friends and faculty. I vividly remember in freshman year, I simply took Spanish classes to get over my general requirements. But I immediately fell in love with this beautiful language and the culture. The courses are quite challenging – I was asked to read complicated philosophical works about feminism written centuries ago in Spanish when I still struggled to understand the subjunctive mode in Prof. Sowmya’s class. But with her help and classmates’ support, I was able to express my ideas effectively. Although I was not involved in any departmental study abroad programs, Prof. Brix’s class on la Guerra Sucia made me feel as if I were in Chile. I understood more about international human rights law. Through Prof. Riofrio’s class on racial inequality, I was enlightened by discussions on structural inequality and came to understand why people fare differently in their lives. After Prof. Alvaro’s classes, medieval Spain has become my Roman Empire. Furthermore, how can I forget about Jorge’s Angels? When I have a group of friends that dress up like beloved Professor Terukina on Halloween and talk about dark chocolate in class, what else do I need?​

   Throughout my years at W&M, I thought about dropping the major several times. Frankly, the language is difficult to learn. But the professors and classmates are so supportive: because of their constant encouragement, I was able to keep the major. In this department, even though I cannot speak as well as other friends, I feel appreciated and loved whenever I talk during class.​

After graduation, I will be working as a researcher for the Global Research Institute at the College. Thanks to all friends and faculty who supported me to inch towards my goal of being trilingual one day!