By Leonel Conteras
Reflection
It was truly a privilege to remain connected to an academic project even after graduation. Continuing to engage with one of my favorite professors, Mr. Ubelaker Andrade, was especially meaningful. That ongoing connection stood out to me and reinforced the lasting impact of my experience with the Department of World Languages and Culture. The journey was both eventful and intellectually enriching, filled with research, journals, and literature that expanded my perspective in profound ways.
Throughout my educational career, writing about sports served as a therapeutic outlet. Even in my personal reflections—sometimes shared on social media—I found myself approaching topics with an analytical and thoughtful lens. Having the opportunity to write for CANAL was particularly rewarding, and publishing my work in Spanish made the experience even more special. It represented not only academic growth but also personal pride in expressing myself professionally in a second language.
Publishing that piece became a defining moment in my professional journey. When I shared it with my team at the time, they admired that I had remained engaged with my alma mater and had written about a role I was genuinely passionate about. Showing up every day to serve youth, constantly seeking new approaches and solutions—no matter how small—reminded me why writing in a therapeutic and reflective context mattered so much to me.
That experience played a pivotal role in helping me secure a position with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development as a bilingual Employment Counselor. In this role, I have been able to deepen my professional purpose by supporting young adults and adults through training and employment services, helping them access opportunities that can transform their lives.
One of the greatest lessons I learned is the importance of fully embracing available resources. It is essential not to be close-minded or to underestimate one’s potential. Expanding your reach and remaining open to new opportunities can lead to unexpected and meaningful outcomes. I often reflect on how I wish I had been more involved with LASA and campus activities, even as a day student. At the time, my wife attended many events, and my friend Miguel often encouraged me to participate more actively. I declined those invitations, not realizing the opportunities I might have encountered. In fact, I could have met my wife there, rather than a few years after graduation.
These reflections have taught me that extraordinary opportunities can arise in the most unexpected places. Remaining open-minded and willing to step outside of one’s comfort zone can shape both personal and professional trajectories. Ultimately, being able to publish my first project in Spanish was a pivotal milestone—one that foreshadowed the direction I would carry into my future. It marked the beginning of a commitment to service, reflection, growth, and meaningful engagement in every space I enter.
Read “Bilingüismo en un contexto terapéutico” Canal Issue 1 (2017).
Biographical Statement - Leonel Contreras
My name is Leonel Contreras, though most people know me simply as Leo. I was born and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where I attended several public schools attending The Pike School and Andover High School. During that time, I faced academic challenges and setbacks. However, I found my footing at Middlesex Community College and was later accepted into UMass Lowell. That experience marked the moment when everything began to align. Throughout my journey, I balanced multiple responsibilities—working two jobs, attending school as a day student, and playing in a YMCA basketball league. Staying busy, focused, and disciplined played a critical role in my growth and success. Today, I am proud to be a husband and a father, roles that mean everything to me. Professionally, I serve as a seasoned bilingual Employment Counselor with the Department of Career Services as a Massachusetts state employee. My journey has taught me that success is earned through consistency, discipline, and a willingness to adapt. Nothing was handed to me, and that is what makes the journey meaningful. If there is one message I hope to share, it is this: opportunities are endless, even when your path is not traditional. Stay focused, block out distractions, and remain committed to your goals. Progress is not always linear, but persistence will always pay off.