Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. As an undergraduate, I studied Spanish Language and Literature at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Later I obtained a Masters in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language and a PhD in Spanish Literature, both from the UNED (Universidad Española de Educación a Distancia) in Madrid.
Tells us about yourself.
My husband is from California and we have three children, now ages 12, 9 and 2. As a family, we love riding our bikes, playing cards and board games, baking, and traveling. We are always very excited about spending summers in Spain with my family. We love seeing family and friends and exploring the country.
Tell us about your role at Simmons.
I'm a new assistant professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, and I'm teaching Spanish.
Do you have a favorite course you teach?
I really enjoy teaching, so I tend to think that whichever class I am teaching at that moment is my favorite!
What's your favorite thing about Simmons?
It’s a very welcoming and vibrant community. Also, Simmons has been very innovative and shown great teamwork during these difficult times.
What inspired you to work in Spanish literature and academia?
I have been an avid reader since I was a child because I find a lot of solace in literature—it can teach us so much about who we are and the shared experience of being human. And I teach because I believe that the humanities can play an essential role in building a more tolerant and inclusive society.
Is there any research you've been conducting lately?
Currently, I am working on the representation of women in the writings of the Spanish author Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. Following the enormous success of his novel The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Blasco toured the United States in 1919-20 and witnessed the triumph of the suffrage movement. He was deeply surprised by the independence of American women and responded in his writing.
If we visited your home office, what would we see?
Lots of notebooks and books, post-its to remind me of Zoom meetings, toys on the floor, and quite possibly one or more of my three children jumping around.
What's the last book you read?
I just reread Mal de amores (Lovesick in the English translation) by the Mexican writer Ángeles Mastretta.
Is there a TV show you're currently binging?
This summer, my husband and I watched The Bureau, a great French show about spies. I also highly recommend the documentary 13TH, by Ava DuVernay, a very important film.
Are there any Instagram accounts or blogs you've been following lately?
I have always liked reading the blog Brain Pickings. And I enjoy Instagram because of my love for botanicals, art, and photography (I look at a lot of flowers!). I would recommend @drcuerda and @anniset, two photographers from Spain, who collaborate to create the most whimsical images.
Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for students?
First I want to say that we are here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, I would encourage students to stay positive, although I know that it can be hard given the current circumstances. What helps me is to find inspiration in the kindness of others, to connect with nature and its beauty and, above all, to keep a sense of humor.
