OCNews

Cynthia Hernández Garcia 

Spanish Lecturer, Okanagan College and University of British Columbia 
OC Program of Study: English as a Second Language, 2000–2003; Bachelor of Business Administration, Tourism & Hospitality, 2003–2008; Teaching English as a Second Language, 2012  

Twenty-three years ago, Cynthia left her home country of Mexico to study English as a Second Language in Kelowna. During her time as a student, Cynthia worked as a teacher assistant and Spanish conversation coordinator in the Modern Languages Department. In 2008, Cynthia graduated from the Bachelor of Business Administration program with a minor in Hospitality and Tourism. From there she worked for approximately three years in the tourism industry and then returned to her passion, education, working in various departments at Okanagan College, but mainly in the International Education Department as an international student liaison. After completing her Teaching English as a Second Language certificate, she was inspired to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and eventually answered her calling to become a Spanish teacher. A founder of the Okanagan Mexican Folklore Dance Group, Cynthia volunteers her time promoting the richness of the Mexican culture through dance at different cultural events throughout the region. 

Highest level of education 
Master of Applied Linguistics 

Describe your career experience and history 
The path that ultimately led me to my current career had some twists and turns. After finishing high school in Mexico, I decided to move to Canada to pursue my post-secondary education. After completing my ESL courses at Okanagan College, I worked part-time for the International Education Department. Once I started my Bachelor of Business Administration Degree Program, I took a role at the Modern Languages Department as a teacher assistant and a Spanish conversation coordinator. In addition, during the summer, I also worked at a well-known Mexican restaurant in Kelowna. After graduation, I worked approximately 3 years at the front desk of a major hotel in Kelowna. After my brief work in Tourism, I returned to my passion, Education, and worked at Okanagan College in various departments, but mainly at the International Education Department as an International Student Liaison.  

Upon completion of my Master of Applied Linguistics degree, I covered some Spanish Language classes at Okanagan College at the Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton campuses. While covering these classes, I found my calling to be a Spanish teacher. Since 2013, I have been working as a Spanish Teacher in the Continuing Studies Department at Okanagan College. My passion for sharing my culture and teaching Spanish as a Second Language at a post-secondary institution led me to take up a new career opportunity in 2020 at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus. Currently, I am working as a Spanish Lecturer teaching first, second, and third-year courses. One of my major responsibilities is to coordinate the 6 sections of first year Spanish courses.  

Describe your volunteerism and/or impact in your community 
Being born and raised in Mexico, I still relish in my ancestral culture. I am one of the founders of The Okanagan Mexican Folklore Dance group. The group was established in 2012, and over time members from all ages have joined the group including children, teenagers, international and university students, and working professionals. We have participated in a variety of cultural events in Kelowna, Penticton and Oliver such as Canada Day, Culture Days, Taste of Home, Carnaval del Sol, Festivals Kelowna, Roots & Fruits, Block Party, and OneWorld Festival. In addition, we have performed at different seniors’ retirement homes and a number of public schools. Our vision is to volunteer our time to promote the richness of the Mexican culture in Kelowna and the Okanagan region through folklore dancing. 

Describe your personal achievements (family life, pastimes, etc.) 
The process of adapting to a new culture and lifestyle was challenging, but that did not stop me in obtaining a post-secondary degree and a master’s degree. Several years later after graduating and gaining work experience in Canada, I obtained my Canadian Permanent Residency and eventually my Canadian Citizenship. Living in Canada has been an adventure and a rewarding and valuable experience. I have not only been able to learn a new language, but I have made good friends from different cultural backgrounds, helped to develop the Spanish curriculums for Continuing Studies at Okanagan College and for a private school, volunteered in my community, purchased my first residence and vehicle, and I have shared my culture to Canadians through folklore dancing and teaching Spanish courses.