Department of Romance Languages
Alumni News
| Karen Briles | |
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Returning to graduate studies after receiving my undergraduate degree 25 years ago was intially a daunting undertaking. I had learned Spanish with little formal education as I grew up on the Texas-Mexico border. I own a small business that specializes in training, interpreting, and translating in Spanish. A coworker, a native Spanish speaker with a translation degree, ensures the quality of our work. I wanted to return to school to improve my grammar and learn more about the Latino culture; the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program at UNCG was the perfect fit for my goals. Classes were challenging and the environment was welcoming. |
| Haleigh Merrill Baker | |
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I graduated in May 2008, and in my final semester I had an opportunity to do an internship in Spanish at the Guilford Co. Public Health Department, which helped me to focus on a career choice. I had already known that I wanted to work with Spanish speaking people in the community, but the medical field became a heightened interest. After graduation I was hired as a bilingual community liaison for Guilford Child Health Inc. Daily I assist Spanish and non-Spanish speaking patients to find services in the community to better their health and I provide a bridge between physicians and patients. My degree in International & Global Studies has also helped me interact with the many refugees and internationally diverse population that I serve. |
| Cynthia Blanco | |
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"In May 2008 I earned my M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from Penn State. Currently I'm working for the University of Texas School of Law in Austin and plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Linguistics. |
| Marisa Estelrich | |
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Nacida en Buenos Aires, he realizado estudios de posgrado en la Universidad de Wake Forest (M.A.L.S., 2000) y en UNCG (M.A. in Romance Languages, 2005). Ahora organizo talleres de escritura en español y ESL (español como segunda lengua): fui invitada por el College of Charleston para dar esos talleres y fueron muy exitosos. Mi primera novela, Cuando yo te vuelva a ver, fue acreedora del Segundo Premio en el Certámen de Novela Corta Cristóbal Zaragoza en Villajoyosa, España (2008). Pueden ver más información en mi página http://fis.ucalgary.ca/ACH/Registro/Marisa_Estelrich/index.html. |
| Paul Renigar, Jr. | |
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I grew up in Umbria and Tuscany, Italy, and have worked as a crypto-linguist with the Department of Defense, assisting agencies such as the U.S. Customs, the San Diego District Attorney, the Navy Seals, and the Special Forces as an interpreter and translator in Italian and Spanish. I began my linguistics training at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language School and Presidio of Monterey, California (DLIFLC). I obtained my M.A. in Romance Languages (Spanish) from UNCG. I also taught Spanish at both UNCG and Elon University while teaching English and tutoring Italian and Spanish on the side. My students never cease to amaze, encourage, and enrich my life. I am currently a full-time assistant professor at DLIFLC, where I also hope to continue with a Ph.D. in Linguistics. I can’t express enough gratitude to all the many friends, family, and coworkers who helped make these dreams come true. |
| Jessica (Bowman) Yáñez | |
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During the two years that I worked as an immigration paralegal, my Spanish skills helped me immensely. I translated and interpreted on a daily basis for clients from all over the world. I enjoyed my role as a paralegal so much that I decided to pursue a career in law and I am now attending Elon Law School. I plan on specializing in immigration law and advocacy. |