Learning isn’t just about lectures and textbooks; it’s about experiences and connections. At UTA Libraries, we help students take what they learn in class and apply it to the world around them. One great example is the Mi Comunidad project, a partnership between our Libraries and Dr. Sonia Kania, Professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages. 

The project first launched in Spring 2025 with students in SPAN 3305: Advanced Spanish for Heritage Speakers. Instead of a traditional final exam or term paper, students created short digital stories, three to five minutes long, highlighting places in the DFW Metroplex that are meaningful to their Hispanic or Latinx heritage. These weren’t just videos; they were personal, creative projects where students could share their voices and tell stories that matter to them. 

“I was amazed by the care students put into their projects last year. They were proud not only of finishing the assignment, but of what they had created,” Dr. Kania said. “Projects like this let students take their Spanish beyond the classroom, practice it in real-world situations, and really grow in confidence and fluency.”  

Building on What We Learned 

This spring, the project is back with some updates to make it even better. Morgan Chivers, UTA Libraries’ Maker Literacies Librarian, has been working closely with Dr. Kania to build on lessons from last year. 

“We learned that last year that students had a tough time with professional editing software, so this year they’re using Adobe Express, which is easier to learn but still lets them make polished videos,” Chivers said. “And since we don’t have enough DSLR cameras for every student, we’re encouraging them to use their phone cameras too, with Libraries’ microphones and stabilizers to help them get great quality.” 

They’ve also rearranged how skills are taught so that students can build up gradually: learning about filming before moving on to editing, for example. The goal is to help students feel confident every step of the way. 

Skills That Stick 

Mi Comunidad isn’t just about making videos. It’s about giving students tools and skills that matter beyond the classroom. Students learn to: 
 
 

• Communicate and tell stories in Spanish with real audiences 
• Use digital tools to create professional-quality videos 
• Plan and manage a project from start to finish 
• Think creatively and critically about the stories they want to tell 

These are skills that help in school, careers, and life. 

Sharing Stories with the Community 

Once the videos are done, they’ll go live on the Mi Comunidad website in early Summer 2026. Each new story adds to a growing collection of cultural narratives from the DFW Metroplex, preserving student work and celebrating their connection to their heritage. 

“This project is designed to get students to bring their Spanish-speaking skills beyond the classroom and beyond the domestic situations they grew up with,” Morgan said. “They build their confidence and fluency by speaking Spanish with strangers, using new vocabulary based on the cultural landmark they select, and by adding the professional layer of producing a video in which their language skills will be presented to the public.” 

Why Partnerships Matter 

Mi Comunidad shows what’s possible when faculty and libraries work together. By combining classroom expertise with the Libraries’ resources and guidance, students get the chance to explore, create, and learn in ways that stick. They leave the project not just with better Spanish skills, but with confidence, creativity, and pride in what they’ve accomplished. 

At UTA Libraries, we’re proud to help make projects like this happen and we can’t wait to see the new stories our students will share this spring.