ASU grad, Arizona native embraces worldwide perspectives
Fernanda Villegas. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
Fernanda Villegas grew up in Yuma, Arizona, where she says she wasn’t exposed to much variation. Though she stayed in-state for college, she met people from across the globe at ASU, an experience that opened her eyes to how wide the world is.
“From Chicago to India,” Villegas said, “I got acquainted with different lifestyles and cultures, which made me realize just how little I truly know.”
Her classes were always full of enlightening conversations because of this, she said, with students sharing their different perspectives.
This fall, she is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in English literature, though her time at ASU isn’t over. Villegas is enrolled in the accelerated history BA/MA program, and will enter the history graduate program in spring 2025, on top of pursuing a public history certificate.
Villegas is the recipient of multiple scholarships and other awards, including the New American University Scholarship (President’s Award), ASU Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship and Dean’s Circle Scholarship. She has also been on The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Dean’s List from fall 2021 through fall 2023, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
"It was hard work," she said of her time at ASU, “but I am so grateful to be graduating and for the opportunities that I have and will get due to this experience."
The School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies spoke with Villegas to learn more about her ASU experience thus far.
Note: Answers have been edited lightly for length and/or clarity.
Question: What was your "aha" moment when you realized what you wanted to study?
Answer: I think I realized that I wanted to study history in the summer entering third grade of elementary school and I bought this thick U.S. history book. 8-year-old me was fascinated with the concept of entire stories and lessons that existed before my existence, and nothing else inspired such excitement. Afterward, I excelled in all my history classes and classmates always approached me for help regarding history. I think having my classmates approach me and me eagerly explaining was my "aha" moment.
I knew I wanted to study history, but it wasn't until I got into ASU that I wanted to focus on public history. After being in an Undergraduate Research Experience specific to public history, I quite enjoyed the experience and the versatility of the field, so I decided to apply for the Public History Certificate. Given current events, I believe it is important to inform and make connections with the public about past historical events whether it be online or in person like in museums.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: I think I've always known that I would end up going to ASU. My father graduated from ASU, and I got to attend my aunt's graduation when I was a child. I vividly remember interacting with Sparky. There is an ASU alumni chapter called El Diablito that continuously sponsors a local event called the Somerton Tamale Festival. I often helped my grandmother with her stall along with my family. There I saw their banner strewn up across the festival that I attended yearly and how enthusiastically they volunteered to help. My father's friends were a part of the chapter so I got to know them pretty well and they, along with my family, inspired me to pursue ASU. I was always surrounded by ASU, so is it a wonder I chose this university?
Q: Which professor taught you one of the most important lessons you've learned at ASU? What was the lesson?
A: Professor Mark Tebeau taught me how to properly research and collaborate with peers, which will be necessary in my field. We distributed the work among ourselves, and by the end of the semester, all of our research came together as a group of papers that would later be used for Salt River Stories. Research and rewriting was tiring but worth it, and he made time to help me with my writing. He also taught me that we have to be patient and some things are just out of our control and that's okay. I was originally going to write about Mexican barrios in Phoenix, but a lack of primary sources and being unable to get in contact with someone who did have them caused the paper to be abandoned. These things are full of moving parts, and you can't blame yourself when something goes wrong.
Q: What's the best piece of advice you'd give to other students?
A: Do not be afraid to fail and do not put so much pressure on yourself. You might get bad grades, miss an assignment, or let down your team while playing a sport, but it's okay because you can always try again. It will feel terrible, but this is part of college and learning. I was always a good student, straight A's all through high school, but university is difficult and there were times my assignments and papers did not reach the expectations I put on myself. These expectations can make your load heavy. You may tell yourself, "But I was able to do this back in high school." Remember, you're in a new environment and it will take you a while to adjust to new classes, classmates, etc. I and many others failed assignments, tests, papers, etc., and it's okay because if you talk with your professors, they can help you. They are not your enemy; they are here to help you succeed.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would use the $40 million to give children around the world a better education. From banned books, poor lunches and low levels of reading comprehension, the education system, in the U.S. and other parts of the world, isn't good enough. The children being taught in classrooms currently will one day run the world, and they deserve to have a fun, prosperous education. It's not just the children, but adults such as teachers and administration who need the money to produce a productive environment. Budget cuts, too many students packed in one classroom and low wages do not inspire people to become teachers. If you gave money to the education system, that's the first step to creating a better ambiance and paying what teachers deserve to have.
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