Critical Thinking and Expression

Throughout my studies as a Spanish major at BYU, I have developed critical thinking and expression skills that extend beyond language proficiency. The two artifacts I have chosen for my portfolio, the argumentative essay on time perception and the research paper on violence in El Salvador, represent two distinct aspects of my growth: my ability to construct compelling arguments and my capacity for in-depth research. These pieces reflect my evolving analytical voice, my engagement with cross-cultural issues, and my commitment to using Spanish as a tool for intellectual exploration and professional growth.

I selected my argumentative essay, “El tiempo es sexista”, because it showcases my ability to take a dramatic and controversial stance while maintaining intellectual rigor. The paper argues that the Western world's monochronic perception of time has historically disadvantaged women, contrasting this with the polychronic perspective seen in other cultures. What makes this paper a standout piece in my portfolio is its clear thesis that acknowledges multiple viewpoints. In writing it, I moved beyond merely presenting an argument; I engaged with different cultural frameworks and perspectives, an essential skill in both linguistic and critical analysis. Additionally, the essay highlights my ability to draw connections between societal structures and deeply ingrained beliefs about time, shedding light on the intersection of language, culture, and gender roles. This piece represents my ability to challenge dominant narratives and think outside my own preconceived notions, skills that are crucial for anyone seeking to contribute meaningfully to academic or public discourse.

My research paper, “El Salvador: un país de violencia que ya necesita paz”, was chosen for entirely different reasons. This paper is deeply personal to me, as I have a close friend from El Salvador who has experienced the instability I explore in my research. Through this project, I gained a much deeper understanding of his reality and the historical and political factors contributing to violence in his country. The process of writing this paper pushed me to engage with multiple source types, academic articles, journalistic pieces, and even historical documents. It was also the first time I checked out a physical book for a research project, a milestone that underscored my growing commitment to thorough academic inquiry. This experience not only honed my research skills but also reinforced the importance of using scholarship to bridge cultural and personal divides. The paper stands as evidence of my ability to synthesize diverse sources into a coherent argument while maintaining a deep sense of personal and academic investment in the subject.

Looking ahead, I do not want my Spanish proficiency to remain a separate entity from my career in economics, I want the two to merge. One of my major goals is to write and publish an economic research paper in Spanish with Spanish-speaking co-authors, contributing to academic discussions in dual linguistic spheres. Additionally, I hope to engage with Spanish-language media sites and blogs, publishing opinion pieces that bring an economic perspective to broader audiences. As I advance in my professional career, I want to ensure that my ability to write and think critically in Spanish remains an active and integral part of my intellectual output. With these broad goals in mind, I plan to execute a research paper in Spanish at least once a year on a topic of interest to me. Maybe they will be posted here as a continuing blog. As well, some of these research pieces might become opinion pieces, so that my critical thinking and expression skills stay sharpened like they were in my undergraduate education.

Ultimately, these two artifacts encapsulate the depth and breadth of my Spanish studies. The argumentative essay highlights my ability to construct nuanced arguments and engage with cultural differences, while the research paper demonstrates my capability for rigorous academic inquiry and personal connection to my work. Both pieces reflect my growth as a thinker, researcher, and communicator, and they set the foundation for my continued engagement with the Spanish language in my academic and professional pursuits.