Jennifer Baidon Carrillo '24 was awarded an English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) through Fulbright to teach at Universidad Camilo José Cela in Spain.
Why did you choose to apply for this award?
Since high school I have been dedicated to serving underrepresented Spanish-speaking communities through education. From tutoring one-on-one, to planning and leading English workshops, I have worked closely with Spanish-speakers on their journey of gaining confidence in their English skills. During undergrad, I was given an abundance of wonderful opportunities to connect with my language, culture, and community through classes and extracurriculars. For four years through my Diplomacy and World Affairs (DWA) studies, I specialized in immigration and human rights, often centering and being inspired by the Latin-American immigration patterns into the U.S. However, during both my Spanish and DWA studies, Spain was also a significant and prominent subject. Being an ETA in Spain would allow me to connect with a part of the Spanish-speaking diaspora and immigrant communities I have yet to connect with.
Briefly describe the work you will be doing on your fellowship.
As an English Teaching Assistant at the Universidad Camilo José Cela (UCJC), I will closely collaborate both with professors and college-age students and take initiative in creating high-level content for English learning. I will lead or guide activities, assist professors with class preparation, give mini lectures, visit classes to give occasional full lectures, and work with students outside of class.
What are you most looking forward to during your time as a fellow?
My experience as a Latina in the U.S. has profoundly shaped my identity, values, and career aspirations. I am excited to bring these elements, and share my culture, to the program through cross-cultural conversations and community service. As an ETA in Spain, I hope to participate in efforts working with the surrounding immigrant communities through local immigration centers, such as the Madrid for Refugees center. By volunteering in Spain, I hope to support local immigrant groups, enhance my Spanish legal vocabulary, and learn more about the Spanish immigration system. My passion for serving immigrant communities is matched by my love for soccer, Spain being arguably the heart and soul of the sport. Having played competitively for years and being raised in a divided Barcelona and Real Madrid household, I am eager to explore Spain's soccer culture. I can only imagine the intensity of the sport’s passion in Spain, beyond the fervor I’ve experienced in my soccer-loving community in Albuquerque, NM. In addition to attending matches, I hope to join a recreational league, allowing me to continue my love for the game while immersing myself in Spain's vibrant soccer scene.
How have your experiences at Oxy prepared you to apply for this award?
Oxy has given me an abundance of opportunities that have prepared me with the right skills, experience, and knowledge for this role. My studies in DWA, Spanish, and linguistics have prepared me with invaluable knowledge on culture, pedagogy, and international relations. Through classes provided by the Spanish department, I have been given an abundance of wonderful opportunities to connect with my language and Latin-American culture. Through extracurriculars, I built powerful connections with those of a similar background. And, for four years through my Diplomacy and World Affairs (DWA) studies, I specialized in immigration and human rights, often centering and being inspired by the Latin-American immigration patterns into the U.S. At Oxy, I became highly involved with the Spanish department and the Spanish-speaking communities on and near campus. Since my first year on campus, I have worked for the Neighborhood Partnership Program, serving as a tutor or teaching assistant for partnering high schools to support students with my similar background gain the necessary skills required to obtain a high school diploma and effectively transition into the arena of higher education. Furthermore, I also joined clubs on campus that catered to our Spanish speaking communities such as COMPARTE, or the Community Partnership for Education and Empowerment, a student-led service program that provides free English language workshops for staff members. All of these experiences and people at Oxy, I believe have properly prepared me and given me confidence to take on this role at the UCJC.