Kiki
I’m currently a graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder, where I am completing a MA in Peninsular and Latin American Literature, alongside a Professional Certificate in Museum Studies and a College Teaching Certificate. Originally from Laredo, TX, I completed my undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin, where I majored in English and Spanish Literature with a minor in Italian.
My academic research interests revolve around constructions of gender, childhood, and indigeneity, with particular focus on the history and literature of 20th and 21st century Mexico. I’m especially drawn to the Mexican Revolution and the literary works produced by indigenous and mestizo chroniclers during the colonial period. Through my studies, I aim to bridge the gap between literature and museum spaces, applying literary analysis to exhibits, which I view as living texts that can be "read" in meaningful ways. My goal is to work in a museum environment where I can integrate my expertise in literature, cultural history, and museum studies to create engaging, educational experiences for diverse audiences.
Privileged Mestizos: A Case Study of Don Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxóchitl
Explores how one of the most famous mestizo chroniclers in Mexico used narrative location as a tool for retaining and gaining power within the colonial system.
Publications
No lo soy
Details my personal experience with imposter syndrome at the University of Texas at Austin.
Suggestions, Not Assertions: Childhood and Gender Constructions in Peter and Wendy and Pan’s Labyrinth
An examination of the narrative strategies employed and a look into how these strategies impacted the constructions of childhood and gender being put forth.
Flexibility, Innovation and Dedication
I’ve worked my way through college and have a highly diversified resume to show for it. I pride myself in my adaptability and in my ability to innovate, no matter the field.
Awards & Recognitions
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The Engaged Scholar Initiative: A Texas Model (ESI) aims to honor the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s visionary goals of enhancing and further expanding the relationships between public universities and communities in the United States. The ESI project joins a number of The University of Texas at Austin’s programs with deep investments in community and a rich history of scholarly and civic collaboration. The Mellon Foundation’s $2 million dollar funding of the project is, in part, a tribute to The University, to institutional interdisciplinary treasures like the Humanities Institute and the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, and to the numerous luminary scholars.
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Friends and family established this scholarship at UT Austin in 1980 to honor the memory of Emily “Mimi” Anderson, BA ’74. It honors a female undergraduate Spanish major with high academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities.
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Stars Scholarship Fund awards scholarships annually to academically talented and highly motivated students who intend to pursue full-time undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degrees.
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Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, Scholars, and Alumni as possible. HSF strives to make college education a top priority for every family across the nation, mobilizing communities to proactively advance that goal—each individual, over a lifetime, in every way they can. HSF also seeks to give its Scholars all the tools they need to do well in their course work, graduate, enter, and excel in a profession, help lead our nation going forward, and mentor the generations to come.
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One of 46 students nationwide to achieve a perfect score on the Spanish AP Exam.
Spanish Instructor Evaluations
"Kiki does a great job of holding students accountable for knowing information. She'll put you on the spot during games and group activities, but she never causes you to feel embarrassed or called out if you miss an answer.."
Anonymous Student, CU Boulder, SPAN 1010 - Spring 2024
"I have never seen an instructor get more students to participate than Kiki. I felt like from the start it was a super safe environment to make mistakes and Kiki also encouraged that. I learned a lot and Kiki always made sure the class was on top of their work, reviewing the material, and going over grading to make sure we knew everything way before things were due. I think this course was definitely more challenging than Beginning Spanish 2, but Kiki did a great job keeping us on top of our work."
Anonymous Student, CU Boulder, SPAN 1020 - Spring 2024