Alexis Lahorra

“I think it’s fair to say my years at Concordia empowered me and shaped me into the person I am today.”

With the help of a Spanish minor, Alexis Lahorra became an international youth advocate

Students who major in Communications and Culture Studies have career prospects as varied as their personal interests. Here’s how one student ended up giving a TED Talk in Spanish – in Madrid.

What initially drew you to the Communication and Cultural Studies Program?

I wanted to gain a more critical approach to the world around me and acquire skills and tools to allow me to be a more active participant in society.

I initially wanted to become a journalist, but during my studies I gained an interest in youth advocacy, languages and public speaking. I later realized that working for a humanitarian organization or the United Nations was what I wanted to do.

Why did you add a second major, in Spanish?

I wanted to be able to communicate with people from different countries and to one day work in an international setting.

I am a youth mental health advocate and I have given several talks about mental health to youth. I had a dream to one day be able to do that in Spanish, in a Spanish-speaking country. I never knew that I would be able to reach this goal so quickly.

I recently gave a TEDx Talk in Madrid, entirely in Spanish. It’s is my fourth language and it feels so empowering and rewarding to be able to use a new language.

I think it’s fair to say my years at Concordia empowered me and shaped me into the person I am today.

You did a term abroad through Concordia International. What did you gain?

Studying abroad opens your eyes. You become independent, learn about other cultures, languages and lifestyles and gain lifelong friends. You also learn so much about yourself.