Hobart and William Smith Colleges

7 November 2024 • Alums The Latina Experience

Course examines the varied and evolving experiences of Latinas, focusing on themes such as migration and immigration, health and education, labor, and gender.

After 18 years as the Director of the Adams Intercultural Center, Alejandra Molina has retired from her role and stepped back into the classroom in the Department of Spanish, Latin American and Bilingual Studies, where she is teaching a course titled “The Latina Experience.”

The course explores “the diverse and dynamic experiences of Latinas through themes of migration/immigration, health and education, labor and gender.” In the process, students consider the intersectional nature of Latina-identity formation. A cornerstone of the class is examining works of “self-representation,” from artwork, to documentary and social media.

"I am deeply grateful for the engagement from our students, who have shared how this course has helped them connect more profoundly with their personal identities, as well as the rich histories and accomplishments of their families and communities," Molina says. "Returning to the classroom has rekindled the deep joy that teaching has brought to my life for as long as I can remember."

During their “Representation of Latina Identities through Visual Art” unit, students had the opportunity to meet Texas-based artist Lucas Barraza, who’s exhibit “Slow Down” was featured at the Davis Gallery at Houghton House. Barraza’s art celebrates his heritage by building compositions focused on uplifting characteristics such as humor, family and romance.

As part of “The Urgency to Tell: Testimonio Takes Root in U.S. Soil / Echando Raíces” unit, Molina invited dual language teacher at Geneva City School District Marilú Segura ’07 and Celia Segura, a local farmworker, into the classroom to discuss their experience with farmwork, education and immigration.

Kimberly Saavedra-Mendez ’25 says the visit was inspirational. “Being able to hear other people's stories from their own words was empowering and a reflection of the strength of Latina women,” she says.

Saavedra-Mendez says the course sparked her interest because she wanted to explore all that encompasses Latina identity – and because of her special connection to Molina. “Molina’s passion for working with students and motivating them to excel has remained consistent throughout her career. It’s been a pleasure to know her as a professional, mentor and now professor!”

“As a Latina, I wanted to take a course that resonated with my own identity,” says Zulema Gamboa ’28, a biology major with a minor in psychology. Gamboa felt the class would complement her science-heavy course load and offer an “eye-opening experience” by providing insight into different Latina perspectives. "This class feels like a warm hug. Professor Molina is truly a kind and energetic person, you can tell she is deeply dedicated to both the course and the content."