Everyone has a story that sets them apart from the rest, granting them the ability to see life with a distinct perspective that can be used to enrich the lives of others.

Creighton Spanish professor Dr. José Miguel Lemus has worked as a journalist on the Mexican border, seen first hand the effects of undocumented alienation, and experienced the challenges of learning a new language. Lemus uses these experiences in the classroom, enhancing his teaching method’s effectiveness and broadening his students’ outlooks.       

Dr. Lemus received his B.A at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Journalism. As a journalist, Dr. Lemus worked first in Mexico City, and later on the border in Ciudad Juárez for a progressive newspaper with high ethical standards known as Reforma.

When the economic crisis struck, Dr. Lemus found himself stuck in Ciudad Juárez where professional development options looked slim and conditions were getting unsafe. At one point, Lemus mentioned, the number of people dying was worse than Iraq.

“I remember one news story headline saying in the last 42 hours nobody has died,” said Lemus.

It wasn’t until after receiving an invitation to pursue his M.A. in Literature from New Mexico State University that Lemus decided to further his education. In accepting the opportunity, Lemus had plans of returning to his career as a journalist. However, in this process Lemus experienced safety and vacation time benefits that he had not experienced as a journalist.

While finishing up his M.A., Lemus was advised by his teachers to pursue a Ph.D. Lemus hadn’t considered this, but once seeing the advantages of being able to stay in the United States as a student as well as the job opportunities, his decision seemed easy.

Before coming to Creighton, Dr. Lemus taught at the University of Lincoln in Nebraska. While at Lincoln, he started the service-learning program, in which he later brought to Creighton. This program allows for both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking people that are trying to learn a second language to have conversations with each other.

In being a teacher at Creighton for his second year, Lemus has found his own experience in learning a new language and the challenges that come with it very helpful to teaching his students.

“In my opinion it’s important to have a relaxed environment in class. I noticed that when the students are relaxed and trying to learn, they are not so concerned with grades and quizzes and making mistakes,” said Lemus.

Lemus emphasizes that languages aren’t just about learning the grammar, but learning the patterns of the language and then applying them.

   Another subject that Lemus has personal knowledge on is the immigration issue in the United States is. He uses his background on the topic to enhance his Spanish courses by providing his students with a greater insight on the issue.

“Sometimes I see immigration as a shipwreck. When something like that happens and you need to swim to reach somewhere safe, you are not thinking about visas. Economic and safety situations are so terrible that people are desperate to go wherever they can to be safe and have a safe life for their families,” said Lemus.

         Lemus emphasizes, however, that he would never encourage anyone to illegally immigrate. He has seen the consequences and the cost it can have emotionally and on a family.

     As a Hispanic living in American, Lemus recognizes his role in society as well as the role of other Hispanics living here.

“I think I am working for the best of the whole community, not just the Latino community. I think it’s good for the whole community having all of these people integrated and productively participating in the society. That is something that is good for everybody,” said Lemus.

     As for being a Spanish professor at Creighton, Lemus believes the University’s strategic plan is on the write track.

“My concern now in this semester is-if I were one of these students, what would I need in order to go into a professional career?” said Lemus. “I am trying to adapt my perspective to what I think they are going to need in the future.”