During the month of July, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with the Center for Renaissance Studies (CRS) as an undergraduate intern. My main task was to help coordinate the Newberry’s upcoming Philippines studies symposium, “Philippines Lives Under Early Spanish Rule.” This event is the first of its kind at the Newberry, with the library working directly with many scholars who are affiliated with universities in the Philippines.
From assisting scholars with their research to meeting with the Philippine consulate, each day was full of learning. In addition to working on the symposium, I took classes in Spanish Paleography and an Introduction to Nahuatl, allowing me to meet scholars from a variety of fields with an even wider variety of research interests. I learned valuable skills in archival research, paleography, corresponding with researchers, and navigating library catalogs that will help me with future research of my own.
Throughout all of this, I was able to explore the Edward E. Ayer Collection and its many documents from the Philippines. I hope that this symposium is the first step to more programming at the Newberry and other major institutions in the United States about the colonial Philippines. As a Filipina-American and as a student who studies the Philippines, I’m excited for what’s to come.
Maraming salamat to the Newberry Library and CRS for this opportunity and for the important work that they do!
"Philippine Lives under Early Spanish Rule" takes place at the Newberry from October 23-25. Learn more and register.
