Mishella Romo
Statement
I am honored to accept the nomination as a member of the Executive Council for the position of student representative on the official slate of the Latin American Studies Association. The first time I attended a LASA congress was in 2016 when I was an undergraduate student hoping to understand my native country of Ecuador. The conversations held during the meeting exposed me to a profound set of ideas and responses to a multitude of questions I had.
As a student representative of LASA, my vision is to advocate for and contribute to the enrichment of resources for undergraduate and graduate students interested in Latin America. I am dedicated to fostering a climate of inclusivity and support that equips students with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in both their graduate programs and their fields. As a Latina and immigrant from a non-academic and a single-parent family, I know how invaluable programs that offer opportunities for mentorship to students interested in regional studies are.
Firstly, I am committed to creating a platform where undergraduate students interested in Latin America can find comprehensive information, mentorship, and guidance on navigating the unique opportunities associated with pursuing careers that increase our understanding of the region. I understand first-hand how valuable my participation in LASA was and continues to be in shaping my professionalization. Secondly, I would take the lead in organizing panels and workshops tailored to increase the training of young scholars. I believe that collaborative initiatives and partnerships that bring together students, scholars, and professionals can empower young Latin Americanists and can help them learn about the range of academic and non-academic job opportunities. Overall, my vision for LASA as a student representative extends beyond raising awareness; it includes the thoughtful unfolding of practical guides and workshops that offer insights into the nuances of the region. I consider that is important to help students finds their way in the field even when it is constantly changing.
I believe my experience with organizing my own panels in different academic conferences has equipped me with the skills to organize these gatherings successfully. Similarly, my prior research for a co-authored chapter for the APSA Grad School guidebook[1] has enabled me to consider the many ways by which we can share knowledge with students on successful research strategies, building strong support networks, and addressing challenges specific to studying Latin America. As such, I hold that the LASA student representative position is a fundamental space where I could advocate and help offer guidance about the skills and confidence students need to enjoy their professional journeys.
[1] “Moving Beyond the One-Shot Orientation: Understanding and Making the Most of Ongoing Orientations” APSA Gradschool Guidebook (with Anthony Spanakos).