My first PAMLA experience and it did not disappoint!

Today is one week from the last conference I participated in, and I couldn’t be happier to tell this story! Attending my first conference as a doctor was thrilling! There’s nothing more exciting than meeting like-minded people and sharing your research with a broader community of scholars, UNLESS… all the above happens in Palm Springs under a warm November sun! 🌴😎

I’ve been fortunate to meet so many brilliant minds over the years, from my time as a graduate student to the postdoctoral phase, and this conference provided a perfect opportunity to connect and reconnect. This reconnection with old friends in the field allowed me to reflect on how far I’ve come since those early conference days. I remember nervously sitting in the audience, listening intently to the established scholars, taking notes, and feeling like I had so much more to learn – well, I still do that.

And while it was wonderful to see familiar faces, the conference also opened up new opportunities to meet scholars I hadn’t encountered before. I had the chance to exchange ideas, discuss new methodologies, and even collaborate on potential projects.

Of course, the culmination of the conference experience was giving my first talk as a doctor. The talk was about my recent research on comprehension and translation strategies. The audience was engaged, asking thoughtful questions and offering constructive feedback. The experience reinforced why I love this field: it’s not just about imparting knowledge but about participating in a dynamic, collaborative conversation that pushes the boundaries of understanding.

As I reflect on the experience, I am filled with gratitude. This conference reminded me that conversation is constantly evolving in modern languages, and I’m thrilled to be part of it—especially if it involves a pool and a hot tub.