Major: ESOL K-12 Education and Spanish
Minor: Global and Ethnic Literature
Hometown: Berlin, Maryland
Words of wisdom:
Don’t be afraid to hop out of the boxes that you are rooted in, you are meant to expand beyond the confinement that is placed upon you. Embrace every little part of yourself and know that your success depends on your own perspective.
Para mi comunidad, los que no caben aquí ni allá, many times, you will be the only person without a seat at the table. And even when you grab a chair, no one will make room for you. This should only encourage you to build within, because if you’ve got a community behind you, there is no way you can lose that game of musical chairs.
Dr. Farzad Karimzad said, "Vicky's academic accomplishments are nothing short of impressive. As a junior, she is already double-majoring in Spanish and ESOL K-12 certification, while also minoring in Global and Ethnic Literature. The dedication and hard work required to excel in one major, let alone two, is remarkable, and Vicky has managed to do so with apparent ease. Her passion for language and culture has driven her to pursue a diverse range of courses and extracurricular activities, all while maintaining an exceptional academic record.
In addition to excelling in her coursework, Vicky has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to research and scholarship. At the MACLAS (Middle Atlantic Council of Latin American Studies) conference hosted at Salisbury University in March 10-11, Vicky presented a paper titled “Voice and language as a method of reconquest in Rigoberta Menchú: An Indian Woman in Guatemala” as part of a panel on Poetics of Resistance in Central America and the Caribbean, and was delivered in Spanish with a written translation provided in English. Vicky's paper analyzes the testimony of Rigoberta Menchú and its significance for her Maya-Quiché community, which has faced exclusion and marginalization in a mixed-race society. She specifically explores the ways in which Menchú's narrative serves as a method of reconquest from European colonization and modern-day neocolonialism, and how her cultural identity and bilingualism are essential components of this struggle for social justice. The paper was met with high praise from fellow presenters and audience members. As part of her final project for my Bilingualism class, Vicky is further developing this project into a publishable journal article.
In addition to her academic achievements and research endeavors, Vicky is deeply involved in extracurricular activities and community service. She serves on the Executive Board of the Organization of Latin American Students and Phi Sigma Iota on campus and has been accepted to join the Delta Alpha Pi chapter of Salisbury University. Vicky's commitment to serving her community is also demonstrated through her regular volunteer work at the Newton Street Community Center in Salisbury. There, she works to foster a connection between students and literature in both their home languages and English. Vicky's dedication to using her talents and skills to benefit those around her is a testament to her character and her commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Overall, Vicky's excellent academic record, impressive research and presentation, and deep commitment to social justice and community service make her an outstanding candidate for the March 2023 Scholar Holler. Her ability to balance multiple academic pursuits and excel in each of them, while also making meaningful contributions to her community, is truly remarkable. Vicky is a scholar and educator with a bright future ahead of her, and her achievements thus far are truly deserving of recognition and celebration."
Dr. Ricardo Vazquez said, "During March, the student maintained her high commitment to learning through her active participation in classes, making valuable contributions to our debate on the development of radio and television in Latin America. In addition, she has continued her work as secretary of the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) and Phi Sigma Iota (PSI). Furthermore, Vicky Vazquez coordinated and participated in community activities such as the Sobremesa conversation hour at the El Primo Taquería restaurant, organized by OLAS, to offer a cultural meeting space where students can practice Spanish and Latino food. Finally, I would like to highlight that Vicky Vázquez successfully presented a paper at the Middle Atlantic Council for Latin American Studies (MACLAS) conference. Her paper, "Voice and language as a method of request in Me llamo Rigoberta Mench: An Indian Woman in Guatemala" generated a productive academic debate among the scholars attending the event. I must say that Vazquez was one of the only four undergraduate students who participated in this conference held between March 10 and 11 at Salisbury University. I believe that her academic excellence, commitment to research, and community service as a member of OLAS make her deserving of this recognition."
