Julieth L. Torres Diaz

Give a brief bio about yourself/your background/your history.

When I was 9 years old, I immigrated from Colombia to Canada with my family. I have now been in Canada for 13 years, meaning that most of my education has been completed in the Canadian school system. When I moved here, I only spoke Spanish making it difficult to integrate not only into the school but also into Canadian society. Nonetheless, my perseverance to become fluent in English allowed me to also pursue French. As a child of immigrant factory workers, I deeply value the sacrifices my parents have made for me. This makes me cognizant that taking opportunities such as going to summer French immersion is key to making my parents’ sacrifices worth it.

Aside from my love for learning languages, I also enjoy being intellectually challenged by abstract concepts and/or ideas. Therefore, I am continually pursuing higher education and knowledge. As a student, I have held full and part-time jobs to help pay for my education. At Brandon University, I worked as a marking assistant for various professors. In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, spending time with family and friends, working out, and listening to educational podcasts.

What education have you taken?

In 2019, I graduated from Vincent Massey High School. I am currently in the fourth and final year of my degree. In the spring of 2023, I will be graduating with a four-year Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology and minoring in French.

How did you become interested in your field/area of study?

I have always been interested in the intellectual challenges of comprehending abstract concepts/ideas as well as learning languages. Majoring in Sociology has allowed me to continually challenge myself intellectually and think beyond what I currently understand. The construction and deconstruction of social ideas and concepts is something that I find truly fascinating. Sociology has allowed me to see the world through a multi-layered sense which is crucial to try to understand social problems. Minoring in French has allowed me to continue learning and developing my French skills. When I went on my summer French immersion, I was surrounded by like-minded individuals, hence, continuing my French language learning is an ongoing process for me as it goes beyond the language. French has allowed me to not only dive deeper into the Quebecois, francophone culture but also to develop lifelong friendships.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

First and foremost, I am proud of being a Canadian citizen because of the opportunities that Canada has provided me. Linguistically, I am proud of learning both official languages. Academically, I am proud to have received scholarships throughout my undergraduate degree. Despite the hardships that COVID-19 brought, I am proud to have maintained a high academic standing as well as being on the Dean’s Honor List.

Where do you see yourself in the future? What do you hope to undertake or accomplish once you leave BU?

Once I graduate from BU, I would like to spend some time working and using my trilingual skills to provide better services to Canadian residents. Later, I hope to continue pursuing further education either in the field of law or pursuing a doctorate in sociology.

What is your philosophy in life?

I believe that education is the key to greater understanding and enriching opportunities. Thus, a day where I do not learn is a day where I have not engaged in my own philosophy.

In one sentence, how will you #EmbraceEquity?

I will #EmbraceEquity by remaining aware and acknowledging that not everyone has the same life opportunities or circumstances.

Nominator’s Comments:

 Julieth has consistently displayed rigorous critical reasoning in feminist theory in transnational and intersectional French and Francophone studies both inside and outside the classroom.  She has served as peer mentor by meeting with students at the library to discuss, in French, how literature portrays the narratives of masculine hegemonic domination by exploring the economic, social, political, and psychological forces embedded within literature. She is open-minded and community-engaged and engages with gender equity through by espousing and practising gender equity.