Jacqueline Aguiar

When I arrived at the University of Michigan, I initially viewed Spanish simply as my heritage language rather than something I could pursue professionally or intellectually. However, after taking themed Spanish courses in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, I quickly became fascinated by the ways language connects to identity, history, and community. Those courses completely changed my perspective and ultimately inspired me to pursue a major in Spanish.

My passion for language and community deepened even further when I joined the En Nuestra Lengua research lab and began working under the mentorship of Teresa Satterfield. Through En Nuestra Lengua, I witnessed the powerful collaboration that can occur within communities when families, educators, researchers, and students come together with the shared goal of preserving heritage language and culture. Working closely with the children and families in the program showed me how language is deeply tied to intergenerational connection. It also demonstrated the importance of creating educational spaces where heritage speakers feel valued and supported rather than stigmatized.

These experiences directly inspired my Honors Thesis research on the “No Sabo” identity and the ways Hispanic heritage children perceive different varieties of Spanish. My research explored how children socially connect language and belonging at an early age. As someone who grew up within the same Latino/a communities that I now research, this project became deeply personal to me. I wanted to better understand how linguistic stigma develops and how it can shape the experiences of heritage speakers, particularly children who may already feel disconnected from their language or culture. More importantly, I hoped to contribute research that could help create more inclusive attitudes toward heritage language learners and emphasize the importance of representation in both education and research.

During this past year, I had the privilege of presenting my research at the UCLA Fifth International Conference on Heritage/Community Languages, the CUNY Conference of the International Linguistic Association, and the New Ways of Analyzing Variation conference. Presenting at these major conferences allowed me to engage with scholars and strengthen my own confidence as a young researcher. Being able to share research centered on Latino/a heritage speakers in these academic spaces was incredibly meaningful and reaffirmed my commitment to continuing this work in the future.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue my studies through either a PhD or JD, with interests in educational policy and immigration law. Whether through research, advocacy, or legal work, my goal is to support immigrant and Latino/a communities by addressing inequities related to language, education, and access. In the meantime, I will be taking time off to explore the world and work as an elementary teacher in Detroit. 

Receiving the Agnes Nicolini Vincenti Award for an Outstanding Thesis in RLL is truly an incredible honor and a meaningful reflection of the endless critical thinking, constructive criticism, and growth that shaped this project. This recognition affirms that the language and community I grew up with does belong in academic spaces, in research, and in every room where decisions about education and language are being made. ¡Sí se pudo!