This week we have Barbara Guerrero as our Campus Cutie! She’s graduating this spring with a major in English Literature. She hails from Torreón, Mexico, and loves the tight-knit community in Fredericton. We gave her a Q&A session – read on to find out more!
What are your hopes for the future [after graduation]?
I’m going to be starting my Masters Degree in Comparative Literature at the University of Western Ontario. I hope to get a job after, but I’m not sure where I’ll end up.
What made you choose the University of Western Ontario?
It has a really good reputation, and the recent Nobel Prize in Literature [Alice Munro] came from there. It encouraged me.
Who is your favorite author?
Isabel Allende
Why did you choose to go to STU?
I liked that it was a small community, friendly, and was a liberal arts school.
What do you like most about Canada?
Everyone’s so friendly and welcoming. They respect your ideas, identity, and nationality.
What’s your favorite memory so far from your four years here at STU?
When I first arrived I was so impressed. I was really looking forward to coming, and it didn’t disappoint me. I really liked the snow. The people were so nice, and welcoming. The blackboard on my door in Chatham said “Welcome Barbara” on my first day. I really liked the first time going to the farmer’s market, and the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. I was just really happy to come.
What was your first major purchase when you came to Canada?
Winter boots!
Do you find you eat healthier here, or in Mexico? What’s your favorite food?
Neither. My favorite food from back home is enchiladas.
What do you miss most about Mexico?
My parents, the weather, the food, traditions, and my friends.
What sort of traditions? Which one do you miss the most?
There are celebrations every month. The one we’re really into where I’m from is the Day of the Dead. A lot of people still believe their relatives will come back. We spend the night in the graveyard, and make altars. It’s a moment of sharing, not creepy the way people think. People bring food for their relatives, and each other. There are also items to sell to the tourists who come.
Your younger brother and sister are here with you now, how much do you rely on them for support?
100%. We do everything together! It’s so much better to have them here. They encourage me to get out and do more.
I’ve seen you do belly dancing with your sister, how long ago did you start that?
Six years ago. I started with ballet, and then moved to modern dance, then belly dancing, now salsa, and I want to start Mexican Zapateado, but it’s very hard.
What activates are you involved in?
STUART Committee. It’s a collection of student writing and artwork. It’s in the editorial process, and is published one time each year.
What do you do for fun on the weekend?
I go to salsa at Boom! every other Saturday, and there’s Latin music after.
What’s your favorite kind of music?
I like a lot of Latin music in general. No one specific.