After taking a readings course on Latin American Migration with Dr. Monica Rankin my sophomore year, I knew I wanted to learn more about Latin American history and how it continues impacting U.S. policy making today. I felt that adding a Latin American Studies concentration and receiving access to amazing, passionate professors in the School of A&H would provide me the opportunity to gain this knowledge and so much more.
As a delegada and a student, Center for U.S.-Latin America Initiatives (CUSLAI) is so special to me because it is one of the first spaces on campus that I truly found a community and support system in. CUSLAI is an incredible space because professors like Dr. Rankin are deeply passionate about engaging with and impacting the UT Dallas community and greater DFW community through intentional, important, and interesting programming that is reflective of our university’s bright vision.
UT Dallas means the world to me because it is the place that provided me with professors, mentors, and friends who have encouraged me break glass ceilings by being vulnerable, confident, and brave enough to pursue opportunities and occupy spaces that my immigrant grandmother and single mother have only ever dreamed of for me.
My current research for Dr. Llamas-Rodriguez in ATEC focuses on the politics of borders in the time of COVID-19. The research project traces the management of tribal, state, and international borders to gain a sense of the presentation and practice of borders during the current pandemic and uncover whether politically charged crisis decisions are grounded in a lens of public health or ideology.
Something I most value in the work I do, education I receive, and human connections I maintain is intentionality driven by genuine passion and interest. Someone should support A&H and CUSLAI because the professors and staff reflect this value in their teaching, support, and daily interactions with students like myself who deeply appreciate gaining new perspectives while knowing that our own experiences and perspectives are being actively listened to by individuals with a vested interest in our academic, professional, and personal success.