TAMIU Language, Literature and Translation Program Alum Now Pursues Ph.D. at UNC-Chapel Hill
Ricardo Cueva, a Nuevo Laredo native who earned his MA in Language, Literature and Translation (MALLT) degree and his BA in Spanish from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in 2019 and 2016 respectively, decided to attend TAMIU because he knew the University was an extension of his community.
“This institution (TAMIU) is an extension of my community, where I found the support and solidarity to achieve my goals,” he said.
He’s now in his second semester at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, pursuing his Ph.D. in Spanish.
Cueva said his decision to pursue a doctoral degree at UNC-Chapel Hill was based on the necessity he felt to grow professionally.
“After looking at different options around the country, I found that UNC was the best option for me,” he said, “When I got the notification of acceptance, I realized that this was a great opportunity for growth since UNC has one of the most prestigious programs in Romance Studies in the nation.”
Upon earning his doctoral degree, Cueva plans to become a university professor and share with others the importance of Latin American literature and culture.
Cueva said TAMIU gave him the skills to build a successful career.
“While being a student at TAMIU, I became conscious of the responsibility that I will have in academia,” he said, “I learned the importance of professionalism and ethical duties that my profession entails.”
Being part of the MALLT program at TAMIU gave him the opportunity to expand his knowledge in his field of studies, Cueva said.
“The program is structured in a way where students can accomplish their goals, go beyond and surpass the many challenges that every graduate student faces,” he explained.
Cueva said his TAMIU professors have become lifetime mentors.
“I intend to be a reflection of all the knowledge that they transmitted to me,” he said, referring to his professors, “They are my motivation to keep going, and I hope that one day, I will become as professional and wise as they are.”
He continued, “I found all the support that I needed while I was in the MALLT program. Dr. Irma Cantú, Dr. Manuel Broncano and Dr. José Cardona-López became the foundations that I needed to build my career. Thanks to them, I was able to successfully achieve my master’s degree, and all their teachings keep guiding my steps.”
Cueva said he recommends TAMIU’s MALLT program to anyone interested in continuing their career and forming a solid professional future.
He said his advice to those considering pursuing a Ph.D. program in his area of study is to simply follow their dreams.
“The path can seem difficult at some point, but with perseverance and dedication, you can achieve whatever your goals are,” he said.
TAMIU’s MALLT program offers superb graduate training in Spanish and Latin American Literature and responds to the growing need for professionals in the fields of translation, cross-cultural communication and dual-language education.
The program focuses on four complementary course-blocks: English, Spanish, Translation, and Comparative Studies. Students can choose to concentrate on one block, or to design their curriculum with courses from the four blocks.
More information about the MALLT program is available online at https://www.tamiu.edu/coas/lla/Spanish.shtml
For additional University information, please contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180 or email prmis@tamiu.edu.
Registration for Maymester, Summer and Fall semesters is currently underway online through Uconnect. For additional information on registration, contact the Office of the Registrar via phone at 956.326.2250, email registrar@tamiu.eduor visit their website at https://www.tamiu.edu/registrar/
As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TAMIU’s campus is closed only to the general public. Entry to campus continues for students, faculty, staff and those having legitimate reasons to be on campus. Online and virtual services at the University continue, practicing all CDC Guidelines on gathering, masking and social distancing and with most staff working remotely. Office hours are subject to change and it is recommended that phone or email contact be made first to determine the office’s schedule of operation. An online directory is here.
The University’s dedicated COVID-19 website is updated daily and includes information on office schedules and services, an expansive FAQ, quick links, student resources, official information links and much more.
