Statement of Purpose All my life both my parents have worked in the fields and have taught me to do my best as they never wanted me to end up in their position doing hard farm labor. It is through these two individuals that I have been motivated with being where I am now. Being able to attend such a great university like California State Monterey Bay. When looking at why I decided to pursue a degree in Spanish Language and Hispanic cultures, it stems from the countless times I was by my mother and fathers side interpreting at doctors office appointments and helping them translate important information. These simple activities always left me wanting me to do more, and perfect by understanding the language itself. Simply knowing that I am a native Spanish speaker pursuing such a degree would help deepen my development in my native language.
I was raised speaking Spanish in my household and was taught to speak English as early as preschool. Growing up in California during such changing times I was fortunate enough to learn in both English and Spanish from K-5th grade. Then it was up to me to continue to use my primary language in another setting. In highschool I took all introductory courses of the Spanish Language to get a basic idea of grammar and spelling.
When looking at the MLO’S and courses I have taken in the Spanish language, one course in which I totally developed my understanding of the language was taking bilingualism in the Spanish speaking world. This course was essential in my development as I grew up in a very diverse community in which bilingualism was at the center of it all and being surrounded by it. In this course we learned about the basic concepts of bilingualism and how one can get to be bilingual. This connects with my cultural background and my Spanish intercommunication. I learned the importance of bilingual education and bilingualism in general education.
My goal with pursuing a degree in Spanish is to attend a graduate school. I plan on pursuing a masters degree in Interpretation and Translation from the English to Spanish language. As for my career choice I want to advocate for those in a courtroom or in a medical office, and help the people who struggle with linguistic barriers. My career choice stems from helping my parents in medical offices and things of the sort. Furthermore, in the long run I plan to take my education back and become a university professor and create a major program at a CSU institution due to the fact that there is a lack of such programs. I am confident that my education in this field will eventually get me where I want to be.