A bit about everything.
Hi everyone! My name is Valeria and this is my first semester in my graduate program (Hispanic studies). I am originally from El Salvador (Kūskatan) and have been residing as a guest in the land of the Coast Salish peoples for around six years now. I like to go on long walks, play boardgames, take pictures of mushrooms, and cook a good meal that can last an entire weekend (I would like to say reading a book but my lack of commitment is terrible, maybe that will change at the end of this class?). I live with my partner, Mobin, and my cat, Milky (attached picture):
I studied Political Science in my undergrad here at UBC, something that made me stay away a bit from any literature related courses after my first year of exploration. That’s why this class might be kind of a challenge for me, a challenge that I take with a lot of care as I want to start deflecting bit by bit into this area of study.
I am passionate about historical memory in post-conflict Central American contexts and cultural sustaining pedagogies when teaching experiential education programs. One of my recent interests is the ways that family, memory, and educational systems interconnect, something that I think I want to explore more through my research. For this reason I want to have more expertise in family literature or contemporary Latin American family stories. I know I should finish Cien Años de Soledad but I am a bit rebellious and want to start from a different place.
That is why I am choosing the book Justo Antes del Final by Emiliano Monge.
I am excited to be reading fiction for this course. I am a strong believer that the truth can be more easily understood through the eyes of fiction. I can’t wait to read Bolaño, specifically Los Detectives Salvajes, which has been in my to-read list for so long but could not get the courage to pick it up. I am excited to read all of your other books through your eyes too, through your blogs, and through your inputs in class.
Looking forward to read your posts :)
See you Thursday.
Hi Valeria,
Milky is adorable, all snuggled up in the blanket, and probably also a great reading buddy! I never get more work done than I do when I'm trapped in place by a cat sitting with me.
I love the idea of exploring the versions of truth that we get through fiction, and also the use of the word "courage" in picking up a book (especially long, daunting ones). The synopsis I just read about Monge's book says it touches on interesting themes, but doesn't give away much of the plot so I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it!
Hi Valeria! Thanks for sharing a picture of your cat, I love animals :)
I would love to chat with you more about your interests in historical memory, and I'd be curious to know if this is what you are focusing on in your graduate studies? I'm deeply interested in this as well so perhaps we could dive into some conversations about this throughout the term too.
Hope you had a nice weekend and see you on Thursday!