Jorgieliz Casanova
Cum laude, Honor Program, Class of 2017
Sociology, concentration in Criminal Justice
Minor in Spanish
As one of the youngest and most “Americanized” in my family, I chose to pursue a minor in Spanish to – properly and fluently – speak, read, and write Spanish and reconnect with my culture through literature. The Department of Languages and Culture allowed me to do more than that! The courses offered were diverse, digestible, and intriguing. The department hosted outings that rekindled my passion for Latin American culture. Dr. Atkins challenged me to go beyond reconnecting with my culture, exposing me to Latin Americans, their traditions and resilience. My confidence in Spanish skyrocketed. I began to translate materials and host Spanish-speaking sessions for New Haven Promise (and still do). These were essential for our increasingly growing Spanish-speaking population in our school district. Growth is a valuable experience that I teach my students to embrace. “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” – Benjamin Franklin.
I went to college thinking that I was proficient in everything I had done. I quickly learned that there is always room for improvement and not to feel shame when growth is happening. I was a flower and the resources and support at Albertus were my nutrients – I was destined to bloom. I had the privilege of speaking at the 2017 Yale Young Women’s Leadership Launch, meeting Michelle Obama, and collaborating with an array of professionals who are shaping the world we know. As the Program Manager (K-12) for New Haven Promise and Director of FAFSA Connecticut, I have impacted countless college-bound students through academic, financial, and career counseling. I wouldn’t have had these opportunities had I not attended Albertus Magnus College.
Félix Rodriguez
Spanish Major with Education Certification
Class of 2024
My academic journey here at Albertus has led me to some wholly gratifying and insightful experiences of which I could not be more grateful. With an unwavering support system found in department head Dr. Christine Atkins, my academic, occupational and personal horizons have only been broadened. I have grown to deeply appreciate the level of support I have received not only as a student but as a person. Aside from my professional growth, which this department has overseen with unparalleled support, I’ve established a way for myself. A new path has emerged in my personal journey where I get to decide what I want to be! I will be graduating in 2024, with a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish, and will be certified to teach in the state of Connecticut. It is only through a rigorous and profoundly informed curriculum that I have found such confidence with the work that I’ll be continuing beyond Albertus’ walls.
To learn more about the Department of Languages and Cultures, click here.