The innovative tools and ample interaction between classmates and faculty in the Spanish program online provided Gustavo Ramos Nuñez the confidence and skills needed to pursue his future goals.
By Karina Ruiz Lopez
August 10, 2018
Accepting comfort was not enough of a challenge for Gustavo Ramos Nuñez, whose decision to enroll in the Spanish bachelor’s degree program online through Oregon State Ecampus arose from honoring his Peruvian roots and a desire for self-improvement.
“I wanted to improve my Spanish because it’s one thing to speak Spanish but another to talk and write academically,” says Gustavo, who resides in Salem, Oregon.
Gustavo is among the first students to graduate from Oregon State’s online Spanish degree program. He brought the determination to succeed, and OSU Ecampus provided him access to a top-ranked education.
Gustavo, pictured above with his son at the Ecampus graduation reception in June, says he wanted to earn a degree in Spanish because “it’s one thing to speak Spanish but another to talk and write academically.”
“Getting the Spanish degree is a huge step for me and my classmates because this is one language that is spoken in many countries,” he says. “This brings more opportunities to work in different kinds of jobs and enables us to help other people who speak the same language.”
In his classes, Gustavo experimented with audio-visual interactive Spanish lessons that improved his understanding of course content and collaboration with his classmates. He shared and discussed class content across social media platforms, from FaceTime to Snapchat.
“It was very interactive. It was like standing in the same room, because I could see my friends face-to-face,” he says. “All of the teachers were very professional. Every time I had questions, I would post my question and in less than 24 hours they answered and gave me different options on what to do about any topic.”
“I am very well-prepared, ready to proceed in any career or program because I received the best foundation from the Spanish courses.”
Through his online experience, Gustavo found a strong sense of belonging and confidence.
“I am very well-prepared, ready to proceed in any career or program because I received the best foundation from the Spanish courses,” he says. “Taking online classes was the best decision. I am a full-time worker, so I had little time, but thanks to the Oregon State Ecampus program, I received my first degree.”
Already a role model for his family and community, Gustavo plans to further his education and pursue a master’s degree in Spanish literature to eventually become a professor.
Karina Ruiz Lopez is a marketing communications intern for the OSU Division of Extended Campus through the PROMISE Internship Program.
