Translation is not simply rewording, but proof of the fluidity of writing despite the boundary of language.
The Freshmen Abroad program enabled me to spend my first year in Spain. This discovery definitely cemented my decision to attend Purchase as an undergraduate. I came into college intending to major in Spanish, so I selected the Language and Culture major while I was applying. I also knew that this major offered Spanish literature courses. For Freshmen Abroad, I spent my entire first year in Burgos, Spain, where I studied the country’s history, art, and literature. I also had the chance to travel, visiting key historical and cultural sites in many parts of the peninsula. This experience gave me a completely new perspective in my approach to translation. And it gave me a solid base for furthering my academic career once I returned. Living in Spain was such a pleasure for me that I returned in the summer after my junior year for a five-week program in Burgos, also offered by Purchase College.

OPEN-MINDED CAMPUS
I’ve noticed that most Purchase students are unusually open to one another, and the level of prejudice against all minorities or “different” students is relatively low. The atmosphere at the school tends to be one of variety and sincerity.

DE-STRESSING
I took two physical education classes here, partly to fulfill my major and partly to balance out my life. And I took a yoga class last semester. It was really good for me. It was called Yoga for Relaxation and Stress Release. I’ve got a lot of stress being in my last year with senior project and just adjusting. The yoga instructor is a professionally trained teacher who has been to India. And of course I have had tons of anxiety about my college career, preparing for graduate school.
This one day, I remember feeling that everything was coming down on me. So my yoga professor has you come when you’re not feeling well because she does things to make you feel better. She was so good that day. She had me breathe. I felt calm. She gave me advice. Not how to fix my problems. But how to take time out of my life and take care of myself.
A teacher that wanted me to take care of myself.
Refreshing.

THE WORLD AHEAD
Purchase has offered me a solid undergraduate education in Spanish Literature, so that I feel prepared to tackle graduate school and beyond. With the help of the professors I’ve had, I can approach a teaching, research, or traveling environment with ease and enthusiasm. My TA experience will surely help me during my graduate study, when I’ll have to uphold a Teaching Assistantship. And my intimate exchanges with my knowledgeable, diverse teachers have given me the guidance to leave the school with confidence and optimism.