Donor Spotlight - Michael Cantu
Our Donor Spotlight for the 2021 Holiday Newsletter is Michael Cantu! Michael received his Master's from the University of Kansas and later went on to become a lecturer within our department from 2009 to 2012. We interviewed Michael to ask about his time at KU and his support of our department:
What did you like best during your time at KU?
I enjoyed three different things: Teaching (I learned much from my students), gaining multiple perspectives (through literature, classes, interactions with different cultures), and getting to know my classmates.
What are your dreams for our students?
The humanities are varied, but a highly valuable subject across the human, job, and individual spectrum. One of the biggest things that I hope students take away is the ability to apply what they've learned to real life choices and situations. I've gained a lot of my traction from understanding the multiple perspectives that folks bring to the table, how to value them, understand them, and bring them together with a common footing. I think the most important thing to learn is that humanities are worth nothing without personal or interpersonal application. If it doesn't help you become a better person, then it didn't do its job. My biggest hope is that they realize their highest self and contribution to society through learning more about themselves.
Are there any specific ways you hope students can benefit through your support?
I've had a lot of folks help me throughout my life, be it mentoring or through scholarships. To me, I think it should be a part of everyone's lives. You ultimately learn that you exist for other people and not just for yourself. Business and schooling exist to perpetuate the system that we all call home and we all have an option to make an impact in bettering it. Everything around us was created by someone and we're living our life in it or because of it. I've experienced most of the biggest impactful parts of my life, including grad school and undergrad because someone chose to give to me and saw something in me. I want to do the same and I hope that they also see that as an option, and not only as an option but a right (from a devout sense) that they can practice as well for others.
We would like to thank Michael Cantu for this interview and his support, as well as all who help us provide students with the best opportunities to learn about the Spanish and Portuguese languages and their related cultures.