Eric ValkoCompleting a Latin American Studies major at Colby has had a significant impact on my life. I had been interested in Latin America since studying abroad in Paraguay as a teenager. However, it wasn't until after I began to focus academically on Latin America at Colby that I realized how fascinating and diverse the region really is. Learning about and studying that diversity has broadened my knowledge and understanding of the world by increasing my cultural awareness. A regional studies major has also taught me to view the world from an interdisciplinary perspective and to recognize the interconnectedness of those different perspectives. A Latin American Studies major has also played an important role in my professional life. In an increasingly interrelated and global world, speaking fluent Spanish and having an in-depth understanding of Latin America has been a useful skill in the job market. Each of my jobs since graduation has had a significant Spanish language or Latin American component. Although my current professional interests center on Asia, it was in part developing a deeper understanding of a culture other than my own at Colby that brought me to where I am today by encouraging me to expand my horizons and to continue exploring the world.emvalko@hotmail.com |