A Conversation With...
Dr. Diana Cardenas

Q: Where did you grow up and how did you get here, (A&M-CC)?

A: I spent part of my childhood in Monterrey, Mexico. I remember that the girls attended school in a classroom, and the boys were taught in a separate classroom. My parents brought our family to Corpus Christi when I was going to be nine years old. I attended elementary, middle school, and high school in the city. I remember when there were no neighborhoods past Mary Carroll High School. At Carroll I had both negative and positive experiences. I attended Del Mar College and Texas Woman's University. I returned to teach at W. B. Ray High School. As I taught 19 years at Del Mar College, I know many students and their families. I interacted with several professors from this university while I taught at DMC. In fact, I have known professors in the English department for many years, and after completing the doctorate, I accepted a position here. The children of some of my former students are enrolled in my classes here at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. I love it here.

Q: What motivates you and has helped you become who you are today?

A: My past experiences and my community engagements molded me, and these same influences motivate me and connect my teaching to the groups and organizations here.

Q: What makes you passionate about your field and teaching students?

A: I come from the same community as many of my students. I have an investment in them. My future is tied to their future. Being the most effective teacher helps me to create a link with them. Technical writing is part of all areas, and I want to help my students have successful professional and personal experiences.

Q: What course(s) are your favorite to teach?

A: I love all my courses, both undergraduate and graduate. As they emphasize writing, I make no distinctions.

Q: What co-curricular activities are you involved in, and how can students become involved with you in those activities?

A: I am an advisor to a women's sorority. I plan to spend more time with their projects.

Q: Outside of TAMUCC, what extracurricular activities are you involved in; what do you do for fun?

A: Out in the community, I am a member of an advisory board at the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center. The board provides scholarships for young people who have solved their problems and want to study at a stage college or university. Also, I have been active in the YWCA, where I swim.

Q: Who inspired you the most or had the greatest impact during your collegiate experience which directed you to your field of study?

A: An English teacher in junior high school taught me to love writing. He spent much time with students, and he invested in me. He gave me the desire to study. Other English teachers at the college level became friends with me and encouraged me to pursue English.

Q: What is your greatest achievement and whom do you attribute this to?

A: I have a personal interest in my students. That is my achievement. I want my students to remember me as a positive influence on their lives. That desire comes from my own teachers. I want my students to reach their potential.

Q: What question does the study of English attempt to answer?

A: I want students to understand how individuals in our society communicate at various levels and in many situations and how to improve that communication to experience a fulfilling life. I want students to use their language proficiency to improve this country for all.

Q: Wouldn’t be caught dead wearing?

A: Rubber slippers or beach sandals. I never thought I could wear them any where but my house. After my surgery I could not wear any type of heel. I hate them, but I found that I am wearing them in broad daylight.