The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) offers the only bilingual MFA creative writing program in the country. The program’s students used this linguistic and creative opportunity to connect with other students.

Writing En Caliente is the first bilingual creative writing workshop hosted by UTEP’s MFA creative writing students to teach others how to express their identity through English and Spanish. With UTEP being a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), the demographic is 85% Latino as it relates to the student population.

For many it is more than just a class, it’s a space to celebrate their heritage and challenge the idea that creativity belongs to only one language.

Many come from Spanish-speaking households and prefer speaking and writing in that language which could become a barrier as a student in the U.S.

Mariana Riestra, creative writing professor, MFA student and one of the instructors for the workshop believes there is enrichment in bilingualism with creative expression and personal stories, broadening narrative possibilities and challenging traditional academic norms.

“I know there are students at UTEP who feel threatened to take a class in English, and I hate the idea of them feeling like they’re not a part of our community because they don’t speak English,” Riestra said. “Letting them decide however they want to write broadness their opportunities and lets them know that their education is important to us and we’re going to do the best we can so they feel that their voices are heard whether that is in one language or another.”

 The workshop is taught with a mix of English and Spanish, allowing students to explore the language that resonates most with them. The UTEP community continues to build upon itself, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students to express their cultural identities.

“We are able to tell our stories and the nuances through the vocabulary of our ancestors,” Riestra said. “I do encourage my students to write in whatever language they feel comfortable with, whether that be English, Spanish or both. I think that really empowers them.”

For junior English major Carlos Torrijos, UTEP’s creative writing program has led him to a personal shift in cultural identity. He now advocates for more bilingual lectures to acknowledge and validate the experience of students with diverse cultural backgrounds.

“After taking classes here at UTEP in creative writing, I utilize both languages. I have developed a better sense of myself, and I have created stronger ties for where I come from,” Torrijos said. “Growing up I was taught my Spanish was not professional but when I came to UTEP I started taking courses that showed that you could speak in both English and Spanish it showed they were both equally valid.”

Masters teaching assistant at the creative writing department, Lex Bandez thinks cultural background significantly shapes creative voices, arguing that bilingual programs are crucial especially for a university near the border. She believes creating creative safe spaces for diverse identities counteracts political targeting.

“There’s been people who have been targeted by ICE and deportations. We’re allowing ourselves to be open safe spaces for each other to have an identity and to not be afraid of where we’re from,” Bandez said. “Workshops like these really do emphasize that and open the doors in our minds that we needed to open up.”

UTEP caters to many students from across the border, making it important to continue multilingual classes to give Spanish speaking students comfortability of gaining knowledge and a voice on campus.

“It is something that cannot be ignored,” Torrijos said. “We cannot pretend that this is something that doesn’t exist, we have to acknowledge it, and we have to put into the curriculum to show our students that they do matter, where they come from matters and that they are just as equally allowed to speak up like anyone else.” 

This is just the start of Writing En Caliente, empowering many students to speak about their culture. The workshop continues from July 25 to Aug 21.

Mia Colmenero is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected] or Instagram @_mjaadee_.