When she introduces herself to her class as "Clemencia"
rather than "Dr. Rodriguez," you know you're in for a different kind of
mentor-student relationship. And my mentor-student relationship with Clemencia
has positively affected me in so many aspects of my life.
First, I am so far ahead of my peers in graduate
school thanks to Clemencia. Not only did she teach me cutting edge and
progressive concepts like "hegemony" and "postmodernism" and "semiotics";
but her classes and readings challenged me to think critically and also
to connect and articulate abstract concepts. From Eco to Adorno to Marx,
she provides readings for her class that have become foundations for my
studies in Communication graduate school.
Her classes are perfect for the student to develop as a person. Since media permeates everyone's life, and her classes are studies of media, she causes the student to focus on their own life and discover truths and ideas about themselves and their world that they might have never known before. Her media classes are so enlightening because they concentrate on popular culture as well as question what that culture is all about. Her assignment flexibility allowed me to do topics ranging from Postmodernism, to the Internet, and even Selena.
Although she allows for a range of interests, don't underestimate her expectations. She wants quality work from all of her students, and assumes students are carrying out the basics like keeping up with readings and contributing to class discussions. Plus, her background is so exciting. How many opportunities do students ever really get to spend time with someone who represents so many marginalized groups. Additionally, being so well-traveled (not just to the expected European spots, but throughout Latin American places as well) she gives insight that is hard to attain from others. From third world perspectives to feminist ideology to Latina views, she looks at commonly held beliefs and questions them with substantiated reasons. As a teacher she smoothly articulates theory as well as cleverly gives ways to apply communication studies to an individuals life. She rewards creativity, dedication, and well-thought out opinion (even if it's not in line with her own), but after a student leaves her class, s/he finds that the real reward is just being able to be in a room with someone as accomplished and intriguing and wonderful as Clemencia.
She really makes the study of communication an
experience that affects students in all areas of their studies as well
as their life. I doubt my transition into graduate school would have been
as smooth had I not worked under Clemencia. And I know my goals and dreams
would not be as expansive and attainable had she never encouraged me through
example and high-expectations. She offers an education no other professor
at UTSA can offer, and an education that few across the U.S. and even the
world can provide.