October 4, 2023
Teresa Gomez: Adjunct Professor, Geography Department
What got you into this field of study/brought you to BYU?
I came first to the ELC to learn English first. Then once I was at BYU I ran into Geography while fulfilling a GE. I took Geography 120 “Geography of the World” followed by Geography 110 “Natural Hazards” I was hooked after that.
What’s your experience at BYU been like as a person of Latinx descent and how has your Latinx heritage impacted your life/career?
I feel like our heritage comes with an added warmth for people. This is a unique gift that has helped me create strong relationships at BYU. It has opened many doors and hearts.
What would you like to say to Latinx students at BYU?
What you are doing right now is greater than your grades or even your future job. It is hard work, but you are doing it and I admire you and respect you for it. Also, be brave and take intimidating opportunities. You are capable and you don't need to know everything to take these chances. You will learn as you go, but you will never learn if you don't try.
What would you like people to know about you?
That my door is always open for students. I’m here for you! I can hear you out, cheer you up, and if that is not enough I can also provide candy.
What is something you’re really proud of or a dream you have accomplished?
I think I underestimated this for a long time but the fact that I came to the US right after high school without knowing a lot of English and ended up earning advanced degrees and now working at a university (still in my second language) is pretty admirable.
Ignacio Garcia: Professor, History Department
What got him into this field of study/brought you to BYU?
Dr. Ignacio Garcia was born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and moved to the United States in the 1950s. In the 1970s Dr. Garcia served as a combat medic in the United States Army and did a tour in Vietnam. Upon serving, Dr. Garcia from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University–Kingsville) and went on to receive his Master’s and P.h.D. from the University of Arizona. Dr. Garcia has been working as a professor at BYU since 1995.
What has his experience at BYU been like as a person of Latinx descent and how has his Latinx heritage impacted your life/career?
Dr. Garcìa is the Lemuel Hardison Redd, Jr. Professor of Western & Latino history at BYU. He is the author of 7 books on Mexican American politics and civil rights, and his eight book will be coming out in the Fall of 2023. He has written on Chicano political parties, the John F. Kennedy presidential campaign as it related to Latinos, written a biography on Hector P. Garciìa, an American civil rights icon who lived on the Texas-Mexico border, a book on the first Latino civil rights case to be decided by the Supreme Court, and a memoir that discusses, in part, his life on the U.S-Mexico border. He is currently working on a biography of Eduardo Balderas, a transnational border resident who became the LDS church’s first official translator.
What is something he is really proud of?
Dr. Garcia has done tremendous work to document the history of Latino members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through years he has blessed the Latino and Latter-day Saint community by being an advocate, mentor and historian. It is an honor to have Dr. Garcia at BYU.
Juan Valladares Flores: Visiting Assistant Professor, Psychology Department
What brought you to your field of study or brought you to BYU?
I'm a social psychologist interested in the nature of intergroup dynamics, interracial interactions, and cross-cultural contact. Throughout my life I have had experiences living with and learning from people from all sorts of backgrounds. The similarities and differences I observed always piqued my interest, but I also noticed that we had many of the same struggles. Studying these struggles and understanding the benefits of cultural engagement is what drove me to my field and being able to study and teach these topics at BYU has been a great blessing.
What has been your experience at BYU as a person of Latinx descent and how has your heritage impacted your life/career?
My heritage impacts every aspect of my life. As an undergraduate student at BYU, I felt out of place and often like I didn't belong. People would share experiences that I did not relate to, and it was hard knowing whether Professors around me could see me. My goal was to become the person I wish I had as a professor, as a mentor, and as an example at BYU. So here I am, trying to do my part to help others feel like they belong, because BYU is home for us. It belongs to all of us.
Is there anything you would like to share with Latinx students at BYU?
You being here, wherever you are, is a testament to all those that have gone before you and have fought for and defended your right to succeed. You don't need to be anybody else but who you truly are. BYU is a better place because you are part of it.
What, in general, would you like people to know about you?
I love social psychological research, especially as it relates to minoritized groups. I think the culture of Christ is in line with everything that multicultural research teaches us to do: to love others, to show empathy, to sacrifice, and to give up our sins. There is no better place to study this research. I am also a big fan of my family, my wife Michelle and my two kids, Emanuel and Lucia. They mean the world to me.
What is something you’re most proud of or a dream you have accomplished?
Coming back to BYU as an academic is no easy task. There have been people all along the way, including Christ, who have guided and helped me on my path. I am proud to have become the type of person who can conduct rigorous research and perform scholarly work, including my teaching, that is all bathed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Gloria S. Meléndez: Former Professor, Anthropology Department
What got her into this field of study/brought her to BYU?
Gloria studied anthropology at the University of Utah and finished her PhD in Latin American LIterature at BYU.
What has her experience at BYU been like as a person of Latinx descent and how has your Latinx heritage impacted your life/career?
She seemed to have been very proud of her Hispanic heritage seeing that she went to the Universidad de Chile to continue her studies and finished at BYU in Latin American Literature. She spent her entire career teaching Spanish and wanted her students to have spiritual experiences in their language-learning journey.
What is something she has accomplished?
For years, Gloria led many study abroad programs in Spain, Chile, and Mexico, and said that these programs were the highlight of her career. One of her students said that she is one of the most Christlike people he’s ever met - many similar comments were made about her character often, and others said that she was committed to her students in all aspects of their lives. She wanted to leave behind a legacy of Christlike teaching and leadership, and she did.
Lauren Barnes: Director of Clinical Training, Marriage and Family Therapy
What got you into this field of study/brought you to BYU?
I only applied to BYU since both of my parents went here. In retrospect, I know I got crazy lucky! I really enjoyed Psychology and took a few psych classes my first semester then declared it my major. I also loved family life classes and minored in that as well as music. I had a job in a computer lab in the Taylor Building which houses Social Work, Clinical Psychology, and Marriage and Family Therapy. I'd never heard of MFT until then and I loved the sound of it. I worked on a couple research projects and decided to apply to MFT for grad school because it is something I love that would allow flexibility with decent pay in my future.
What’s your experience at BYU been like as a person of Latinx descent and how has your Latinx heritage impacted your life/career?
I'm very white passing - with big red curly hair and fair skin. So even though my mom is 100% Cuban, I blend in with the majority group on campus. My maternal grandparents came to the US to escape some of the awful things starting in Cuba in the late 50s. My grandpa, Papí, worked as a custom jeweler and my grandma. Mima, had a certificate as an accountant. They worked hard for everything and expected their posterity to work hard and attain the American dream. I've always known I needed a college degree and was fully supported in pursuing graduate degree when I chose to do that. They were never shy about asking my income in any given year. Papi would pull me close to his face and ask, "You making enough? How much you making?" They were both hard workers. They converted to the LDS church alongside my mom about a year after she came to BYU at age 17. (BYU is the perfect place to bring a young adult Catholic girl with very traditional Cuban parents.) I'm grateful for the life I've been able to create and credit many of their sacrifices and hard work for paving the way by their examples of faith and perseverance.
What would you like to say to Latinx students at BYU?
Take advantage of groups, clubs, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring, learning, and socializing. BYU has so many incredible opportunities. Share your lived experiences with those around you.
What would you like people to know about you?
I'm an advocate for my students and have such pride in them. I love seeing students succeed and enjoy hearing from them even after graduation. Keep in touch with your professors and mentors - you are the reason many of us do this job.Be aware of opportunities and don't be afraid to ask for help and guidance.
What is something you’re really proud of or a dream you have accomplished?
I'm so proud of building a good life for myself and family. I worked really hard - graduating with a PhD, being a fully licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and starting a tenure-track professor position with 2 kids at age 25. It felt a bit like I had blinders and tunnel vision for a few years there, but it really paid off in remarkable ways. I've been open to scary opportunities and had phenomenal mentors in addition to family support and faith.
Ashley Fraser: Assistant Professor, School of Family Life
What got you into this field of study/brought you to BYU?
I love that in my field, I can ask a question about life and then know how to use science to answer it! Being a researcher has helped me feel powerful in finding truth and satisfying my natural gift of curiosity.
What’s your experience at BYU been like as a person of Latinx descent and how has your Latinx heritage impacted your life/career?
To be honest, I was very assimilated into White culture while I was an undergraduate at BYU. It took me many years and a PhD to truly embrace my Latinx identity and now I am actively continuing to explore and have joy in my identity as a professor at BYU. My Latinx identity now infiltrates everything I do, including how I teach, what I research, and who I mentor. It also gives me purpose and hope.
What would you like to say to Latinx students at BYU?
Find your people! There are many places of belonging on campus, and mostly they come through friendships, clubs and relationships with caring faculty. Together we can do great things at BYU.
What would you like people to know about you?
I love a good party, including karaoke, dancing and tacos if at all possible.
What is something you’re really proud of or a dream you have accomplished?
I am much better at raising my voice for the marginalized than I used to be. Even though I am far from being like the Savior, I am proud of how far I have come as a truth-teller and advocate.
Ruth Aguirre: Adjunct Faculty, School of Social Work
What got you into this field of study/brought you to BYU?
My parents immigrated from their home in Guatemala, leaving behind everything they knew and loved in search for better opportunity, safety and resources for their children and future posterity. Their strong story of resilience inspired me to take advantage of such tremendous sacrifice in seeking higher education. Being a first-generation college student was scary, overwhelming and a daunting task, but my parents always instilled the hope that God was always with me. Their continued faith and hope in Jesus Christ and in His gospel inspired me to seek something hard in an environment where I could continue to feel that spirit. It is what drew me to apply to BYU and thus pursue an education in helping others do the same through social work.
What’s your experience at BYU been like as a person of Latinx descent and how has your Latinx heritage impacted your life/career?
Being a minority on campus had its challenges of finding spaces of belonging and where people would be open and wanting to get to know me. I felt the void of my cultural upbringings and festivities, as well as longing for family to be closer to me as they formed such an integral part of my heritage and culture. Although I felt disorganized at first, slowly I surrounded myself with people and places that felt like home. BYU's MSS office provided programs and activities for me to connect with others. I also joined a non-profit multicultural dance group that really enhanced my BYU experience and gave me the strength to continue forward towards graduation. As a Latinx therapist, I feel honored and privileged to serve my Spanish-speaking community, and for a sense of safety and understanding I provide being part of that group.
What would you like to say to Latinx students at BYU?
You can and will succeed! You belong here and there are no coincidences. BYU is a marvelous institution with all the prestige, honor and merit it deserves. You will get an outstanding education. We are here to support you. Most importantly, at the helm of this university is our Savior Jesus Christ. He leads and guides through His Spirit and can have everlasting and impactful change for you and your posterity if you allow it. Do not give up. It is no coincidence that you are here.
What would you like people to know about you?
I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love being able to work with his children at Brigham Young University. My soul and cup are filled when I get to interact and bear witness of the strength, sacrifice and journey many students make to get here. You are so loved, and I hope that students can feel my love for them.
What is something you’re really proud of or a dream you have accomplished?
As of May 2023, I became a full-time faculty member and the Director of Field Education at Brigham Young University. When that moment came, I was overwhelmed with gratitude, thinking and honoring all my past ancestors who were rooting for me and strengthening me when I felt I could not do one more thing. I felt humbled at the opportunity God was granting me to be put in a position to help students in a more impactful way. I hope that my four children can look upwards and forwards into the future knowing that they too can accomplish anything.
Melissa Alcaraz: Assistant Professor, Sociology Department
What got you into this field of study/brought you to BYU?
I took SOC 113: Multicultural America during my first semester at BYU to fulfill a general education requirement and fell in love with the content. I love studying sociology because… it is the science of compassion, and I love…[helping students] develop and use a sociological perspective to minister to their fellow children of God.
What’s your experience at BYU been like as a person of Latinx descent and how has your Latinx heritage impacted your life/career?
As a student, I really didn’t have a community of people who looked like me here on campus. Coming back as a faculty member… I have experienced a lot of healing as I try to be the example I wish I had had as a professor. Some of my most meaningful experiences have been talking with students who see themselves in me, especially when they haven’t had any or many Latinx teachers or professors.
What would you like to say to Latinx students at BYU?
We are better for having you here… and we… desperately need your stories and experiences. You bring something to the classroom that is unique. Your story is not something to be overcome; it is something you carry with you.
What would you like people to know about you?
Both of my parents are immigrants from Mexico, and Spanish is my first language. I am a convert of about 12 years. These are experiences that have shaped who I am and I’m so grateful for the things I’ve learned through these life experiences. Even so, I often felt different or like I didn’t belong. If you’ve ever been in that boat, I promise you that there’s a place for you here. We are so enriched by your diverse perspectives and life experiences.
What is something you’re really proud of or a dream you have accomplished?
Honestly, I’m really proud of getting my PhD. Neither of my parents attended college – or graduated high school. They sacrificed so much so that my siblings and I could have greater opportunities. My PhD doesn’t feel like an accomplishment that is exclusively my own – it feels like an accomplishment and token of gratitude for those who came before me.
David-James Gonzales: Assistant Professor, History Department
What got you into this field of study/brought you to BYU? I was raised by bilingual public-school educators and developed a love for teaching during my time as a missionary in the Utah Provo Mission from 1999-2001. I chose to pursue a career as a history professor after working in the finance industry and in for-profit higher education for several years. I came to BYU in 2018 after teaching at USC and UCLA.
What’s your experience at BYU been like as a person of Latinx descent and how has your Latinx heritage impacted your life/career?
My experience at BYU has been very enjoyable. Coming from Southern California, where I lived my whole life, it took time for my family and I to adjust to Provo. However, things have worked out well for us here. I’ve found a very supportive community of colleagues and students. I’ve been able to develop new classes like the Latino (a/x/e) Civil Rights Seminar and my US Immigration History course, mentor dozens of underrepresented students, help start the Latinos Unidos (formerly Hispanos Unidos) BYUSA club, bring Latino (a/x/e) scholars to campus, and share my expertise and experiences at on campus events.
What would you like to say to Latinx students at BYU?
You belong at BYU. You’re being here is not an accident. Our Heavenly Father wants you here and He will help you overcome the challenges you face. He brought you here to become leaders in His church and in the communities and institutions you will serve in the future. He needs your talents, perspective, and skills to push His work forward, both here in Utah and wherever your journey takes you in life. There are so many faculty, staff, and administrators at BYU that are committed to helping you and making your time here enjoyable. Never doubt that you are a beloved child of Heavenly Parents. Stay close to them and you will triumph over all!
What would you like people to know about you?
First, my testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel is the driving force in my life. Second, I’m committed to breaking down barriers and building community in everything I do.
What is something you’re really proud of or a dream you have accomplished?
I’m living my dream. I love what I do. I’m most proud of my children, especially my two eldest daughters Ayiana and Belicia who are students at BYU. I’m also very proud of my wife Karla for continuing her education at BYU. She is a first-generation college student and is a tremendous example to me and our children.