Spanish Education Student’s Article Published in Foreign Language Honor Society Journal

Cardona was thrilled to learn that her writing was accepted for publication by the society, which is the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages.    

The article “El abrazo que nunca se dio,” which means”The hug that was never given,”  “is about a real-life story that happened to me,” said Cardona, a secondary education Spanish major. The story, she explained,  “Is about a little girl that lives far away from her mom. Her mom resides in the United States and years after not being together, her mom is able to fly her to the U.S. The little girl faces some issues while getting to her mom and gets sent back to her country with a broken heart. In the end, as the title says, she leaves thinking about that hug she and her mom were always waiting for, the hug that was never given.” 

For Cardona, learning her work was going to be published was especially welcome news as she is coming to the end of her college career.  “My aspirations after college are to get a job as a Spanish teacher and continue studying to get my master’s, and hopefully certification in order to teach ESL students in the future.” 

Cardona recently read her story to her ninth-grade class at Morristown High School where she is student teaching. Many of the students felt a connection to the story since they are also from other countries.  One of the students wrote in her journal: “Very beautiful story, I know you will get very far in life. I’m very proud of you and of the things you are accomplishing. I always like to ask you about your day and how you are doing, and I’m very happy that you are doing so well,” explained Cardona. 

Rosa Sanchez, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish language, literature & culture, and Cardona’s professor, said she is delighted that the story was recognized and published in The Forum. “Laura is an outstanding student who has truly shown an immense creative talent and sensibility. This publication is a perfect way to end her time here at Caldwell University. We are proud of her accomplishments and will miss her terribly.”

Pictured above: Laura Cardona and her professor Rosa Sanchez, Ph.D.