story and photo by Desiree M. Cooper
Communication Services
“I want to teach parents who are struggling with one language, while their children are speaking two or more.” – Beatriz Villa
Beatriz Villa began instructing American Language Culture (ALC) courses at Eastern New Mexico University in September. She teaches English as a Second Language exchange students from China, Mexico and Spain, to name a few, how to ease into American culture and an American university. Ms. Villa attended ENMU, receiving a bachelor’s in English with a minor in criminal justice and a master’s in English. She calls the university a “home away from home. It’s my type of environment.
“As a student, the instructors were extremely helpful and kind,” she said. “When I became an instructor, it was the same way. Everyone is so welcoming.”
Before returning to ENMU to teach, Ms. Villa worked in a personal injury attorney’s office. She was interested in attending law school.
This changed during her time as a graduate student, when the instructor began teaching English 102- “English Composition.”
“I never realized I would love teaching so much,” she explained. “As time progressed, I realized I missed it. When ENMU had a job opportunity, I took it running.”
Ms. Villa now teaches ALC 104- “Foundations of English II,” 204- “English Conversation-II,” and 212- “English for Academic Purposes II.” She is also teaching ENG 102 again.
She says each of the courses have “unique aspects. I enjoy teaching the material and learning from the students.”
Ms. Villa’s classes are in the newly-renovated Jack Williamson Liberal Arts Building, which she “cannot praise enough; it is a beautiful building. It is mind-blowing how modern the classrooms are. It makes a great learning environment.” She is in the early stages of planning to open an ESL course for the community this semester.
“I want to teach parents who are struggling with one language, while their children are speaking two or more,” she said. “I think they’ll enjoy it and benefit from it. I’m looking forward to the learning experience.”
Ms. Villa, who is working toward a master’s in bilingual education and would like to pursue a Ph.D. in the field, tutors students who need help in English, even if they are not in her classes.
The Belen-native comes from a long line of bakers. Her family owns a bakery in her hometown that specializes in New Mexican-style pastries.
“We know how to bake,” said the horseback rider, who also enjoys reading and writing. “Every time I go home, I’m happy to help out at the bakery.”
