Curiosity and Sarai Garcia Santos
The Newman School welcomes a new Spanish teacher this school year, Sarai Garcia Santos. She is a distinguished academic in her field, constantly emerging herself with different aspects of the culture and language both at and outside of school. Her fascination with Mexican culture and language specifically embodies our school's motto of curiosity. From the study of childhood to Latin American cinema to indigenous cultures, Garcia brings research and knowledge that promise to enrich the Newman community.
Garcia explains, “I am a Mexicanist, which means I primarily specialize in Mexican literature and culture. Specifically, my main interests while researching have been on how the concept of childhood contributes to the reconstruction of national consciousness in different countries and political contexts throughout history. My areas of study also include Latin American cinema, cultural studies, indigenous studies, and Latin American art history.”
Being a Mexicanist sounds like a wonderful adventure through literature and culture! Beyond her academic pursuits, Garcia embodies the spirit of a lifelong learner through her diverse hobbies. Her varied interests not only reflect her passion for exploration but also serve as a model for students to embrace their own curiosities.
“I am originally from Mexico City, a complex, dynamic, cosmopolitan, and vibrant city that has fundamentally shaped how I see and navigate the world— including why I have the intellectual interests I do. I am constantly navigating different hobbies and curiosities from cooking, baking, gardening to home renovating, sewing, and being true to my (...) urge to multitask. I also have a vivacious [...] baby, Nicolás, who is my obsession and my main motivation. My wonderful mixed family is split between Boston and Mexico, and I am very lucky to have them in my life,” she describes.
Mexico City sounds like the perfect place to cultivate a love for multitasking! This ability to balance various interests will inspire her students to pursue their passions both inside and outside the classroom.
During her extensive research on Mexican culture and language, she has been awarded numerous awards, grants, and fellowships. These achievements not only highlight her expertise but also enhance her credibility as an educator who continuously seeks growth.
She says, “I was very proud to win the Writing Program fellowship at BU in 2022. This award came at a time when multilingual applicants from graduate programs like mine weren't prioritized for this type of fellowship. I ended up having one of the best experiences of my career, teaching different ways to think about writing and learning from different pedagogies across the field. It was very stimulating!”
Of course, her love and appreciation for culture and language also influence her teaching in the classroom. Her approach encourages students to view learning as a collaborative journey rather than a solitary endeavor.
“Culture, to me, is one of the most important elements on which to build knowledge in any society. My pedagogy in the classroom is shaped by my desire to bridge communities and learn from each other’s points of view and ways of defining culture and knowledge. I aim to create a respectful, caring, and inquisitive environment in the classroom that will ultimately allow us to remain open to learning from one another,” Garcia details.
Garcia's rich experiences living in both Boston and Mexico City resonate with many Newman students and faculty who share similar multicultural backgrounds.
Garcia highlights the similarities of the two cities by saying, “Both Boston and Mexico City are old cities with significant historical roles in their respective countries. With that comes a large portion of the foundational narratives that carry much of the meaning and symbolism of national identities. This has always fascinated me, and I have been able to use both cities as a map to understand my present reality. Both are also incredibly magical, layered, and walkable cities of their own.”
Boston and Mexico City both offer a tapestry of stories woven through time, each street and building echoing tales of the past. It’s like having two fascinating guides to navigate not just geography, but identity itself! However, with these similarities also come major differences.
“Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world, which makes it difficult to navigate but also incredibly rich and diverse. As a student, I was exposed to a great artistic and gastronomic scene, which showcases a wide array of cultures and fusions. Boston, on the other hand, is smaller in comparison and more manageable. It also has a more systematic approach to how people interact with one another, but its scenery, landscapes, and sunsets are out of this world! Walking along the Charles River after long days of studying was always revitalizing,” she reveals.
Garcia shared her curiosities outside of Newman but what does she want to learn at Newman?
She remarks, “I’m curious about Newman’s evolution fostering a diverse and international community. Having an educational experience where you are constantly exposed to different worldviews is exciting. I’ve already seen how this translates into a balance of academic rigor, creativity, and openness in the curriculum. I look forward to learning more from the teachers and students at Newman, who are continually creating an environment that nurtures both individual growth and collaborative learning in the classroom.”
With her diverse interests, rich cultural background, and genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment, Saria Garcia Santos promises to be a vibrant addition to the Newman School community.
