Department of World Languages and Culture - Meet Erin

Erin ’25 is combining her Spanish major and nursing studies to create a much needed change: expanding access to culturally informed healthcare.

From Kokomo, Ind., the senior double major has recognized the need for nurses who can communicate with patients in their native language. “I have created curriculum-advising plans for nursing and Spanish double majors and/or minors, as well as established interdepartmental connections for advising referrals,” Erin explained.

Her goal is to reduce barriers for Spanish-speaking clients in the U.S. healthcare system, beginning with Hope students. After identifying a few of the barriers for patients in her clinical rotations, Erin worked with Dr. Diana Lee to enhance the Spanish for Medical Professions curriculum. “We have updated the course to include practical application of medical terminology, such as a research project in Spanish on the pathophysiology of a health condition,” she said.

Beyond the connection to her nursing courses, Erin has been surprised by how much she has learned about herself in her Spanish classes. “My classes challenge me towards empathy as I learn stories and perspectives that I have not yet considered,” she shared.

She has appreciated the well-rounded excellence the department offers all its students. Even when she registered for classes that seemed intimidating, her caring professors were ready to help in any way they could. “I dreaded ‘Introduction to Spanish Literature’ due to how challenging it sounded, but Dr. Tatevik Gyulamiryan helped us take lessons learned from literature and apply them to current-day conversations,” she explained. “In the class, we discussed not only what the writings meant, but how the literature invites us to consider the different aspects of the human experience.”

After realizing how much she learned in “Introduction to Spanish Literature,” she registered for Dr. Gyulamiryan’s advanced literature course “Science and Psychology in Early Modern Spanish Literature,” where she was able to conduct research on medieval mystic literature’s insight on the role spirituality plays as a source of hope during the stages of grief in the face of illness and mortality. Erin uses what she learned in this project to care for her patients, regardless of their native language.

According to Erin, this desire to support students extends across the entire department. “What I love about the DWLC is that the students are known, their potential is encouraged, and they are not alone as they seek to learn,” she said.

Erin is ready for her future in nursing, where she’ll utilize her double major with confidence. She recognizes the impact that donors like you have on the department. “It has changed how I view the world, what I value, and even what I hope to do with my future. This department has offered me a place to grow and thrive,” she shared.

Will you create real change in an increasingly globalized world with your gift to the Department of World Languages and Cultures today?