Héctor Martínez ‘19, Spanish Major
Majors: Spanish and Psychology
Minor: English
Spanish teacher at Sacred Heart Nativity School
My major in Spanish unequivocally has impacted my future after college and will continue to impact me. I currently work as a Spanish teacher at Sacred Heart Nativity School, a Catholic middle school in downtown San José, California, and therefore, my major in Spanish directly influenced my career decisions and my knowledge and ability in the field of education. I think that in the future, regardless of whether or not I continue to teach Spanish or use Spanish in education, I think that Spanish opens up the door to multiple career options where a second language is desired or needed. Even outside of careers, having majored in Spanish has given me more ideas about the world and expanded my worldview.
I decided to major in Spanish because I had always wanted to study Spanish in college and specifically study Spanish literature. I am passionate about literature and always enjoyed reading and analyzing it in school. Additionally, Spanish is my first language and the language in which I still feel most comfortable. Majoring in Spanish not only felt natural for me, but it also helped me continue to explore my native language.
I have fond memories of being a student in the Modern Languages department. Through this department, there were multiple opportunities for me and wonderful experiences inside and outside the classroom. As a freshman in college, I remember taking a Spanish linguistics course and through the professor (professor Schindewolf) and her recommendation, I was able to take another course in translation. These courses provided me the opportunity to develop a new and useful skill of translation and expand my academic abilities. Additionally, through the connection I made with my professor and the courses offered, I was able to open doors professionally as well. Over that summer, I was given the opportunity to collaborate with other students in the translation of a free online business course for entrepreneurs that was offered by a non-profit (MOBI) residing in the Leavey School of Business. Through collaborating, I not only developed my skills as a translator, but I also formed lasting connections and relationships that I still keep to this day. It was after that opportunity that I got my first on-campus job with the non-profit, My Own Business Institute (MOBI), and connected with other wonderful people.
In addition to these professional and academic experiences, I had very enlightening classes in the department, with a diverse focus on everything from literature to a study of a city and its culture. I believe that the classes I took at Santa Clara University were enlightening and exciting, and that they helped me see new things in the world and entertain diverse ideas and concepts. Overall, my experiences in the department were and have been positive.