Samantha Guajardo - Using Rhetoric to Uplift Voices and Challenge Boundaries
For Samantha Guajardo, pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication and Film with a concentration in Rhetoric and Media at the University of 糖心Vlog传媒 is more than an academic pursuit鈥攊t鈥檚 a continuation
of a lifelong commitment to understanding identity, power, and voice.
Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Samantha saw rhetoric at work in her community long before she studied it formally. In a region often misrepresented by national media, she watched Latina leaders use storytelling, organizing, and advocacy to reshape the narrative鈥攔esponding to stereotypes with care, resistance, and truth.
鈥淩hetoric became the bridge between English and Communication for me,鈥� Samantha shares. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a field that doesn鈥檛 just study discourse鈥攊t asks critical questions about who is heard and who is silenced.鈥�
Her extensive academic journey laid the foundation for her Ph.D. research, which explores Latina rhetorical agency and challenges academic boundaries around what counts as rhetoric and who counts as a rhetor.
Recognizing Excellence in Scholarship and Teaching
Samantha鈥檚 work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. She is the recipient of both the Osborn Fellowship and the John Angus Campbell Teaching Award鈥攖wo honors that represent the heart of her dual passions: research and teaching.
鈥淭he Osborn Fellowship affirms the direction of my research, particularly my commitment to studying Latina rhetorical agency,鈥� she explains. 鈥淎nd the John Angus Campbell Teaching Award holds a special place in my heart. Teaching has always been more than a professional obligation鈥攊t鈥檚 a space of mutual learning and growth.鈥�
At UofM, Samantha teaches courses in public speaking, rhetoric, and interpersonal communication. She designs her classes to center reflection, application, and experiential learning, helping students connect theory with their lived experiences. One of her favorite assignments, the Student Philosophy Speech, invites students to articulate their goals and explore how communication supports personal growth.
鈥淲atching students gain confidence in expressing their ideas is one of the most rewarding parts of my work,鈥� she says.
Teaching Philosophy and Student Impact
Samantha鈥檚 teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education is a collaborative and transformative process. Drawing inspiration from scholars like bell hooks and Paulo Freire, she strives to create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Her work with Writing and Communication Services (WCS) at UofM is another extension of this philosophy. As a facilitator for Tigers Talk and a trainer for Tigers Tank, Samantha supports multilingual students in developing their public speaking and presentation skills.
鈥淲atching students grow into their voices鈥攕eeing that moment when confidence unfolds鈥攊s always moving,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 why I do this work.鈥�
Community, Commitment, and Motivation
Throughout her doctoral journey, Samantha has found strength in community and mentorship. She credits her advisor, Dr. Antonio de Velasco, for his guidance and her family鈥攈er parents, brother Zach, grandparents, Aunt Kim, and fianc茅 Anthony鈥攆or their unwavering support.
鈥淎cademia can be demanding, but it feels far more manageable when you鈥檙e surrounded by people who care about you,鈥� she reflects.
For Samantha, staying grounded means staying connected鈥攖o people, purpose, and perspective. She reminds herself daily of the significance of representation:
鈥淟atinas make up around one percent of doctorate holders, and that statistic weighs heavily on me鈥攏ot as a burden, but as a reminder of why this work matters. It鈥檚 about helping make space for those who come next.鈥�
Looking Ahead
After completing her Ph.D., Samantha hopes to continue her career in higher education鈥攖eaching, mentoring, and conducting research that centers Latina activism and rhetorical agency in border spaces. Her goal is to develop historically grounded accounts of Latina rhetors and the sociopolitical conditions that shape their public engagement.
When she鈥檚 not researching or teaching, you can often find her in a 糖心Vlog传媒 coffee shop鈥擣rench Truck or Belltower are her favorites鈥攔echarging over a matcha latte and good conversation.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a simple ritual, but it helps me remember the joy that exists outside of academia.鈥�