My name is Gina Ruiz and I graduated from Arizona State University (ASU) with a Master of Arts in English. My studies in this program were mainly in English studies but with an emphasis on literature. In my undergraduate work, I wrote about food writing and how it intersects with literature and worldbuilding. That work inspired me to begin another M.A. program in Gastronomy to study the role of food in historical and contemporary societies. I plan to pair that degree with this Master of Arts in English and work toward a Ph.D. in cultural diplomacy with a focus on culinary diplomacy. In my career, I work as an Executive Legal Assistant and edit legal documents. My career has always required me to do a lot of writing and have a deep understanding and knowledge base in the English language. When I decided to further my education, I chose English studies as my path.

My work here at ASU has given me a strong foundation in understanding linguistics, language, writing, and how specific genres in fiction function. I studied magical realism in a global sense, the works of Jane Austen, and the works of Shakespeare. I also learned classical rhetoric, methods of teaching composition, and research techniques, all of which contributed to my understanding of English as a discipline. I learned more about translating works from my second language of Spanish to English and this helped me immensely. Studying different writing technologies helped me to understand how writing is not limited and can exist in everything from podcasts to blogs to visual mediums. This course of study has added depth and knowledge to my professional experience.

My time at ASU expanded my view of what English studies are and I hope this portfolio reflects that journey in understanding, as well as my growth as an academic writer and in my professional career.

Now that I have graduated, it is on to the next Master of Arts program. In September 2023, I will begin a Master of Arts in Gastronomy (Food Studies) program at Boston University Metropolitan College. I hope to enhance my knowledge of food history and improve my food writing skills.