Meet Brandon Rubio, ’25

Brandon Rubio is graduating this year with a M.A. in Latin American Studies. “I think it [CLAS M.A. program] showed me that there is room for me in academia and it has given me a vision of the future, which I did not really have before this.”

What has been your favorite class at Stanford and why? 

US-Mexico Border Fictions: Writing La Frontera Tearing Down the Wall with Professor Saldivar, because it not only introduced me to great Latin American literature, but also showed me how fiction can be studied analytically. 

What kind of research, course projects, or co-curricular activities did you participate in during your time at Stanford? 

I completed research for an M.A. Thesis.  

Tell us your favorite major/minor/program-related story or experience! Any adventures abroad or fascinating guest lectures? 

I was fortunate enough to travel to Mexico City for my research and it was an incredible experience that I will never forget.  

As you reflect on your time at Stanford, what are you most proud of? 

I recently presented my research in an M.A. symposium in front of my cohort and faculty members and I was really proud of the scholarship I engaged with.  

What are your plans after graduation? 

I plan to apply for Ph.D. programs.  

How has your degree program changed your understanding of the world and prepared you for your next steps?

I think it showed me that there is room for me in academia and it has given me a vision of the future, which I did not really have before this.  

What languages and world regions have you studied with the support of the FLAS fellowship? What impact has FLAS had on your studies? 

I studied Portuguese and it allowed me to engage with Brasilian literature, film and music. It is a huge country and not being able to speak or understand the language does not allow you to really understand Latin America. 

Anything else you'd like to add? 

I really enjoyed my time in the Masters program and I am proud of the work I engaged in.