Graduate Student Spotlight | JJ Salas

"This conference gave me the tools to do a better job and create a safer environment for students with different backgrounds, and it provided a set of tools to make sure my future classroom feels heard."

Interdisciplinary Conference Participant

Program

Humanities (M.A.)

Department

Education
Philosophy & Religious Studies

Graduate School
Graduate Student

Arts & Humanities Graduate Programs
Education
Education Graduate Programs
Humanities

10/26/2026

JJ Salas is an international student from Spain, former teacher and a current student in the Master of Arts in Humanities program. On October 17, 2026, she participated in the Conference on Interdisciplinary Dialogues in Education alongside Xavier Smalls and Luisa Sieverding, two fellow humanities graduate students. In the conversation below, Salas describes her career and how the conference’s lessons could apply to it.

Tell us about your career and educational background.

I am an international student from Spain. At the University of Barceona, I obtained a bachelor’s in English studies in 2024, and I earned a master’s in construction and representation of cultural identities in 2025. I am currently in my last year at Hood, and I work as a teaching assistant for Spanish 101 and 102.

What made you decide to attend Hood College?

My university advertised the possibility to complete a master’s in humanities at Hood, and the subjects offered really appealed to me. I hadn’t taken classes in philosophy since high school, and I had never really done music after primary school, so I jumped at the chance to explore other disciplines outside of my own.

How did you find out about the Interdisciplinary Dialogues in Education Conference?

I learned about it from a newsletter.

What was the conference like? Was there a particular highlight for you?

It was really interesting! I attended three different talks: "Restorative Practices to Amplify Student Voices" led by Laura Catulle, "Cultivating Agency in the English Classroom: Antiracist Practices" led by Elizabeth Newdom and "Techniques for Teaching Policy Analysis During Times of Political Unrest" led by David Bolton. They were very enriching. Each provided a framework to be a better, more aware teacher to meet students’ needs.

How does the conference tie into your career goals?

Back in Spain, I taught English for five years, and I hope to continue teaching in the future. This conference gave me the tools to do a better job and create a safer environment for students with different backgrounds, and it provided a set of tools to make sure my future classroom feels heard.

What was your biggest takeaway from the conference?

I walked away knowing that a teacher needs to be constantly learning and adapting. There is no one way to connect with your students, and what might have worked in the past might not always work.

Do you have any advice you would give to prospective students who are considering a career in education?

I would say if you have a passion for teaching, if you like to bring knowledge, just go for it. It is hard, but it is also extremely rewarding.

Are there any fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?

I have lived in four countries.

Inspired by JJ’s experiences at the interdisciplinary conference? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, including humanities.