Brandon Carranza-Lopez

Being a part of the Hispanic Studies program has shaped who I am in a completely unexpected manner. I never expected to be studying Hispanic Studies and what started as just taking a class to fulfill my foreign language requirement turned into a lovely 3 and a half years filled with beautiful relationships, studying abroad, living in the Spanish house, plentiful research, and more. I will never forget the culmination of my first two years and adoration of color & art, which led to me going to Puerto Rico with Professor Rivera and studying abroad right after in Cádiz with a wonderful cohort. Additionally, I will always highlight my humbling experience in HISP 150 with Profesora Cate-Arries, which started as learning how to write academic-style Spanish from scratch to being pushed to graduating with a Hispanic Studies double major alongside so many gifted students. Lastly, and definitely the most important thing, is that I will always carry the network fostered by this small but mighty community. I know I can fully rely on any member of this community because of the impact they have all left on me, and for that I’m forever grateful.
Now, as an alum of William & Mary, I am continuing my academic career as a candidate of the Master of Accounting program herewith a full time role starting next January. I will always call upon my experience as a Hispanic Studies major in every setting, knowing that I would never have gotten as far as I have without the experience and perspective of studying this beautiful culture which I’m proud to be a part of. It’s my deepest desire for this major to grow and for many students after me to enjoy the opportunities that were given to me by our department. ¡Si se pudo!