{"id":109003,"date":"2026-04-10T15:52:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T19:52:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=109003"},"modified":"2026-04-29T11:08:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T15:08:32","slug":"students-use-spanish-skills-to-tell-stories-of-community-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2026\/04\/students-use-spanish-skills-to-tell-stories-of-community-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"Students use Spanish skills to tell stories of community impact"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Brock project is spreading the word about the ways Spanish speakers contribute to the Niagara community while providing a meaningful opportunity for students to apply their language skills.<\/p>\n

Students in SPAN 1F90 \u2014 offered by the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures (MLLC) \u2014 interviewed representatives from more than 10 local Spanish-speaking groups and businesses. The project was supported by Brock Co-op, Career and Experiential Education.<\/p>\n

Through these conversations, students learned about organizations\u2019 achievements, challenges and perspectives while building meaningful community connections.<\/p>\n

\"Three

Fourth-year Physical Education student Rohan Goldblatt (left) and first-year Kinesiology student Alejandra Hernandez (middle) interviewed Anyi Mendez, Director of Cultural Niagara Corporation (right) to learn about the large-scale cultural events the organization puts on to help build community for Spanish and non-Spanish speakers in Niagara.<\/p><\/div>\n

First-year Kinesiology student Alejandra Hernandez and fourth-year Physical Education student Rohan Goldblatt interviewed Anyi Mendez, Director of Cultural Niagara Corporation<\/a> (CNC).<\/p>\n

Mendez and CNC host large-scale events in Niagara focused on celebrating cultural heritage including the St. Catharines Flower and Wine Festival and Dia de Muertos en Niagara.<\/p>\n

Goldblatt was struck by how Mendez fosters connection through her work, especially for newcomers adjusting to life in the region.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is inspiring how Anyi and CNC are supporting people to overcome the challenges of moving to a new country and helping to connect them with others,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Through the interview process, Hernandez learned Mendez draws inspiration from her children, who have motivated her to create safe and welcoming spaces for families and people of all ages.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what hit us most \u2014\u00a0it only takes one person, with one goal, to create a whole community that grows and thrives,\u201d Hernandez said.<\/p>\n

CNC events not only provide opportunities for people to come together to enjoy food, music and culture, but serve the important purpose of passing on cultural traditions and heritage from generation to generation.<\/p>\n

Goldblatt said learning about the cultural organization has helped him understand \u201cthe why\u201d behind learning a language.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur lessons have gone beyond traditional readings and lectures. Verb conjugations are important, but having the opportunity to connect with a community member who is making a difference in people\u2019s lives has been impactful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Mendez said partnering with Brock as part of the course has been an honour.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing part of this project has allowed our organization to gain more visibility. By giving recognition to our work and sharing our events and stories, together with students, we are making a difference. Brock is also bringing Spanish and non-Spanish speakers together for shared experiences,\u201d Mendez said.<\/p>\n

Mendez\u2019s perspective was one of many shared with the Brock and wider community on March 31 in Brock\u2019s Global Commons. The event included a video screening of student work presented in Spanish followed by a panel discussion.<\/p>\n

MLLC Instructor and project designer Erin Redmond said the goal was to raise awareness of the contributions of Niagara Spanish speakers to the region \u201cwhile building connections among project participants and members of the wider community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Redmond presented the experiential project at the Modern Language Association Convention in January and will also present it at Brock\u2019s Centre for Pedagogical Innovation’s Spring Perspectives on Teaching and Learning<\/a> on Monday, May 4.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough hands-on learning, we are helping students improve language skills and grow their cultural knowledge,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Participating community partners included:<\/p>\n