Student Profile: Katherine Espinoza

Last Updated on January 06, 2020 at 12:00 AM

Originally published January 06, 2020

By UC Staff

UTEP Communications

Katherine Espinoza saw The University of Texas at El Paso as a wise investment. It is one that has paid off. The senior linguistics and creative writing major has taken part in research, literary readings and seen performances at UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. Being on campus has imbued Espinoza with confidence that she hopes will lead her to a job as a professor, translator or both.

Katherine Espinoza saw The University of Texas at El Paso as a wise investment. It is one that has paid off. The senior linguistics and creative writing major has taken part in research, literary readings and seen performances at UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. Photo: J.R. Hernandez / UTEP Communications

Name: Katherine Espinoza

Classification: Senior

Major: Linguistics and Creative Writing

What drew you to UTEP? I accumulated a number of college credits in high school, I had a good GPA, and I earned a scholarship that helped with expenses, so, UTEP was the best investment, financially.

What have you enjoyed most about studying here? How easy it is to interact and communicate with the professors. I also like walking around campus, the architecture is unique and I enjoy all of the plant life.

In which extracurricular activities are you involved? I am involved in Layali Al-Sham, which is an Arabic music group directed by Dr. Andrea Shaheen in UTEP’s World Music Ensemble.

What is your favorite place to relax or study on campus? I like to relax by sitting in the Contemplative Garden that is within UTEP’s Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. The fifth floor of the Library is also a good place to be productive.

What has been your favorite class so far, and why? My literary translation class with Dr. Rosa Alcalá. I had taken class with her before — we translated poetry, which is more interpretive and different from the technical type of translation of other forms of literature. That class was really interesting because it incorporated parts of my creative writing minor as well as the linguistic aspect through translation.

Tell us about a hands-on learning experience you have had at UTEP? For my literary translation class, we had to translate an unpublished poem by a poet named Sara Uribe. Uribe visited UTEP earlier this year and conducted a workshop and reading where we presented and read our translations.

Tell us about undergraduate research opportunities you have taken advantage of at UTEP? I applied to the Humanities Collaborative at UTEP which allows the opportunity for research under certain professors within the English department. The program groups individuals with a professor or an internship either at the Centennial Museum or with Special Collections at the Library to work on a project coordinated by a supervisor and present it later in the school year.

What are your career aspirations? Before going to graduate school, I would like to teach English abroad. I may consider becoming a professor, translator or both.

What is your favorite UTEP event, and why? I like the many different poetry and literature readings. I also enjoy the performances at the Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall where different music groups from the University or from out of town perform, as well as the theater productions, art galleries and linguistic symposiums.

What advice would you give to an incoming UTEP student? Become familiar with the campus and know your way around it. Apply to scholarships and for FAFSA early to avoid loans. Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors, they’re there to help and support you.

What is your best UTEP memory so far? I think every time that I go walking through the Chihuahuan Gardens is memorable. I go almost every day, taking the long way to Miner Alley — just walking through there, seeing all the plants and reminiscing.