¡Felicidades a Lesley Arias!
El equipo de TeCHS y COERLL se enorgullecen en presentar al Student Spotlight del mes de Febrero: Lesley Arias. Actualmente ella está cursando su último año en Southern Methodist University . Ella fue nominada por la Dra. Verónica G. León.
A continuación Lesley nos comparte un poco más sobre ella.
“I’m from Dallas, TX and my parents are from Mexico. My father is from San Luis Potosi and my mother is from Monterrey. I’m a first-gen as well as my sister, I have an older sister who graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice back in 2013. I’m a senior in my final semester majoring in Sociology.
If I remember correctly I learned both English and Spanish at the same time. I spoke Spanish with my parents and English with my sister and friends. Over time I spoke both languages to my parents once I realized they understood English. I use what’s known as Spanglish on an everyday basis, but when it comes to the professional world I stick to one or the other whenever needed.
Never be ashamed of your roots nor of your language. It will open many doors with great opportunities, embrace it, it’s beautiful to be able to speak a language utilized by many understood by a few, in addition to the properness that comes with it. Taking Professor León’s class made me realize how proper and educated one can sound both in writing and verbally if we take the time to learn the language and its rules.
I was able to get a job with some very talented and hardworking immigration lawyers in the DFW area and help them fill out paperwork and translate documents that were originally in Spanish to English. It was a very neat experience.
I plan to become a Forensic Interviewer and eventually open a restaurant. I believe my heritage language will come in handy in both places since there will always be someone who only speaks and understands Spanish and I’ll be able to communicate with them with no language barrier.
I plan to become a Forensic Interviewer and eventually open a restaurant. I believe my heritage language will come in handy in both places since there will always be someone who only speaks and understands Spanish and ill be able to communicate with them with no language barrier.”