Interviewer: Amelia Ciarleglio ‘27
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Where are you from?
Asturias, Spain
Where and what have you studied before Holy Cross?
English and French Studies at the University of Leon (I studied abroad at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia)
What is something interesting or fun about you that most people do not know?
I love spending time with my grandparents and taking care of animals. Before getting into University, I was a professional rider in Germany. I have three horses named Flicka, Cuzo, and Freedom. 🏇
What brought you to Holy Cross?
At home, a lot of my friends and family encouraged me to try teaching, so when I was presented the opportunity to teach in the United States, I took it. After being immersed in the Holy Cross environment for the past few months, I know I want to spend the rest of my life teaching. Before coming to America, I took many online English classes and teaching classes in order to prepare for this role. I am grateful for Holy Cross because through this experience I am able to live out my passion for teaching.
Are you taking any classes at Holy Cross?
I am currently taking an interesting course Modern American Novel with Professor Whitmarsh. Also, I am taking a pedagogical seminar on how to teach Spanish to non-native speakers with Professor Carolina Blazquez Gandara, an amazing mentor.
Coffee, tea, or energy drinks during study sessions?
I love the pumpkin spice latte with oat milk from Steinbucks! ☕
How have you seen the program impact yourself and your students?
At the beginning, I was nervous about teaching, but through this program I have grown so much more comfortable instructing classes. As the weeks go by, I can tell that my students are enjoying learning Spanish more and more because they have been asking questions about the language and my culture. They no longer stare at the clock. Even some of my students have said that after taking this class they feel inspired to study abroad in Spain.
What’s your go-to song when you need motivation?
“Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” by Micheal Jackson
What do you enjoy most about being a “LA”?
All of my students have been so respectful and so enthusiastic to learn. Over fall break, I missed teaching and seeing my students. I love the whole process of brainstorming the curriculum, figuring out the rules of games and activities, and watching the students have fun participating in the activities. The LAs and I experiment with different learning methods, and although every activity isn’t always perfect, we work to improve based on helpful student feedback. Together, we put in so much time and effort into making the classes enjoyable and to help the students learn best.
Where do you enjoy hanging out outside of class?
I love spending time in Ciampi in a hammock or in Dinand because it is such a peaceful study spot.
Finish this sentence: “The “LA” program matters because…”
“It is a reciprocal learning experience because as we teach the students Spanish, we learn how to improve as teachers.”
Copy edited by Annamaria DeCamp ’27
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