Jack Mullarkey and Gloria Guzmán forge careers in language education

Two University of Delaware alumni are expanding on their Spanish studies undergraduate degrees with a master of arts in Spanish studies. Inspired by supportive professors and life-changing study abroad experiences, Jack Mullarkey and Gloria Guzmán have decided to forge careers in language education.

Jack Mullarkey, Class of 2026

Jack Mullarkey graduated in spring 2026 with degrees in international relations and Spanish studies. He credits Cristina Guardiola and her SPAN 201 class with providing challenging materials that helped develop his language skills and stoke his interest in Spanish.

Supported by many of the Spanish department professors along the way, Mullarkey chose to pursue a master of arts in Spanish studies to transform his undergraduate interests into a fulfilling career. His commitment to the field was solidified through immersive study abroad homestay experiences in Granada and Buenos Aires, which provided invaluable, real-world linguistic growth. The master's program offers him the ideal platform to enhance his advanced language skills while simultaneously discovering his passion for teaching the language and culture to others. 

Looking ahead, Mullarkey views the next two years as a critical period to learn more about Hispanic Languages, Literatures and Cultures, and develop and refine his teaching style. His immediate post-graduation career goals include moving abroad to teach English in Spain, perhaps through the NALCAP program for a few years, followed by a return to the United States to teach Spanish in Philadelphia or New York. His long-term professional aspirations involve stepping into educational administration or pursuing a Ph.D. to ultimately teach at the university level.

When he needs a break from his academic responsibilities around Newark, Delaware, Mullarkey enjoys escaping to nature at the Newark Reservoir or White Clay Creek State Park. For a more social or relaxed vibe closer to campus, his favorite go-to spots on Main Street are Brew HaHa! and Homegrown Cafe. Beyond the local area, he is an avid traveler who loves taking cross-country road trips—having recently visited the West Coast and Portland, Oregon—as well as spending quality time at the beach with his family.

Gloria Guzmán, Class of 2026

Gloria Guzmán graduated last spring with a double-major in biology and Spanish studies. Although she has always had her eye on a career teaching STEM in high school, her passion for language was reignited by Professors Lara Boyero and Meghan McInnis Domínguez. The former’s nurturing instruction and the latter’s effective mentorship drove Guzmán to explore her Hispanic roots. 

Yet Guzmán’s strongest drive to master Spanish came from a personal place: watching the Spanish-speaking community navigate school communications where young kids acted as interpreters. Realizing how much critical context got lost in translation, she made it her mission to become a bilingual educator who can bridge the gap directly between schools and parents.

Guzmán’s academic trajectory expanded exponentially when her advisor, Meghan McInnis-Domíngez, encouraged her to study abroad in Granada, Spain—a life-changing experience that prompted her to add Spanish as a full major. Walking Granada's vibrant streets, admiring its pomegranate motifs and experiencing its rich multicultural history of Christian, Muslim and Jewish influences firsthand brought her coursework to life. 

Now focusing on her master's degree and mastering pedagogy, she aims to take the transformative teaching styles modeled by her UD professors and apply them to her own high school classroom.

Outside the classroom, this native Delawarean stays connected to her roots through local flavors and relaxing traditions. You might spot her refueling with a chai at Bing’s Bake and Brew or a "Sugar Daddy" latte from Brew HaHa! Or, she might be treating herself to Black Raspberry Chip ice cream at Woodside Farm Creamery or a paleta de mamey at Tocumbo, a Mexican ice cream shop in Newport. 

To unwind, she turns to reading and crocheting—a craft originally taught to her by her elementary school principal! Guzmán eventually passed down that hobby to her father and extended family. Driven by strong role models, family pride and a passion for community, Guzmán is well on her way to leaving a lasting mark on the next generation of students.