CU Shine

David’s way of bridging cultures and building community

When you walk into Central Willamette’s South Salem branch, you might be greeted by David—a financial advocate who uses his native language to bridge cultures and build better communities.

David’s journey began 3,579 miles away in Guatemala, where he was born to missionary parents. After years of turmoil and violence, his family made the difficult decision to leave. After a brief stay in Los Angeles, the family found their way to Oregon. David was 14 when his family arrived in Halsey. The transition was far from easy.

Immersed into an English-speaking school, David struggled to adapt to a new language and culture—an experience that would later inspire his passion for helping others overcome similar challenges.

Giving back: Language as a bridge

David gives back to the community by using language as a bridge. As part of his CWCU-supported community involvement efforts, he volunteers at the Corvallis Multicultural Linguistic Center, where he teaches Spanish to English speakers.

“I knew how hard it was for my parents to switch from an all-Spanish speaking community to a new world,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to help people with language and cultural barriers.”

David leads informal Spanish conversation circles, open to everyone in the community.

“It’s a low-key way for people to learn sentence structures, conjugate verbs, and practice pronunciation in real conversations,” David said.

The sessions are held several times a month at various locations in Corvallis. Participation varies, with anywhere from 2 to 15 people attending.

“We have one rule: we’re there to practice Spanish, and all we do is talk in Spanish—about politics, religion, personal life, anything,” he said.

Impact and inspiration

David’s efforts have made a real difference.

“One lady who comes regularly has a farm and sells at the farmer’s market. Learning Spanish has helped her connect with the Spanish-speaking community,” he said.

For David, the greatest reward is the sense of connection.

“I get to know other people and find out what it’s like to be human,” he said. “To be accepted, loved, and respected—it’s like a three-legged stool that helps balance me out.”

At Central Willamette, David uses his language skills every day, helping Spanish-speaking members navigate the world of finance.

“People make better choices when they are educated,” he said. “When they connect with someone who speaks their language, they feel understood.”