Meet our majors

Nancy McEvily (2008)
Honors major, Latin American Studies minor

In the spring of my sophomore year, I declared Spanish as a major intending to better my language ability, but I quickly discovered that what excited and inspired me most about the major was studying literature. While my studies have undoubtedly improved my understanding of the Spanish language, more importantly, they have challenged me to read critically, effectively communicate my ideas, understand complex arguments, and formulate my own opinions.

The Spanish [program] faculty members are outstanding in every way. Professors are able to instill in undergraduates the passion that motivates their own research and study, while helping students become better readers and writers. Through the encouragement of my professors, I have been motivated to take on new academic challenges, and I am currently working toward the fulfillment of the department Honors Track, which requires the completion of a graduate-level Spanish course.

Studying Spanish and Spanish-American literature has helped me come to an understanding of different cultures and time periods that were unfamiliar to me when I entered the program. What I have found most enjoyable, however, is reading the works of authors like Cervantes, Sor Juana, and García Márquez and finding in them themes that question the way I understand my own culture and time. One of my professors once told me that she hoped that several years from now, even if I didn’t remember the details of what I had read, that I would remember how I felt and what it taught me. I have no doubt that what I have learned in my Spanish classes will always remain relevant, both in and beyond my future academic pursuits.

Brendan Venter (2008)
Honors major, Latin American Studies minor

Beginning in high school, I have always had a strong interest in studying the Spanish language as well as the cultures linked to it. My experience as a Spanish major at Notre Dame has allowed me to pursue these studies from a very interesting perspective. My inspiration for becoming a Spanish major were the outstanding teachers that I was fortunate enough to work with in high school, and this opportunity has continued throughout my years at Notre Dame. All of my Spanish classes have been very small in size; as a result, I have been able to receive plenty of individual attention from my professors, whether it is help with a composition, or going over a particular text. The faculty in the department is extremely dedicated to ensuring the success of the students in the program.

I have personally benefited from my studies in Spanish in so many ways, in addition to simply improving my ability to read, write, and speak the language. I was fortunate enough to spend a semester in Toledo, Spain during my junior year. That experience allowed me to experience first-hand many of the historical, cultural, and social characteristics that I had studied for three years at Notre Dame. The ability to understand and adapt to different cultures is a skill that will surely be invaluable in my future plans.