How a Luchador Mask Changed How College Students See Language Learning (And Why It Matters for Their Careers)

When culture, curiosity, and data meet, education becomes advocacy.

By Edgar Serrano, M.A.

Founder, The Bilingual Spark | 2018 AATSP National Teacher of the Year |

President, National Network for Early Language Learning (NNELL)

Edgar Serrano, wearing an iconic luchador mask.

The Luchador Mask That Started It All

The Department of Modern Languages supported the Luckyday Residential College at the University of Mississippi to connect with students and inspire them to see why learning another language matters. Representing Mexico, I had the opportunity to share culture through art, crafts, and food while sparking conversations about the power of language to build bridges.

Mexico’s creativity on display — from handmade alebrijes to data showing the power of bilingualism.

Students often see language courses as requirements, but this event created the perfect space to shift that mindset — to show that learning another language opens doors, deepens understanding, and helps us see the world through a more connected lens.

From Laughter to Learning

Edgar Serrano and a student exploring courage and identity through Mexico’s iconic luchador mask.

I wore a luchador mask, and immediately, students smiled and asked,

“Nacho Libre?”

We laughed — and then I asked,

“Do you know what it means to be a luchador in Mexico?”

That opened the door to talk about what lucha libre truly represents: courage, creativity, and identity — the everyday strength of the Mexican people.

Then I asked, “What do you study?”

“Business,” one student said.

That’s when it clicked.

“How do we build business — with companies or with people we like and trust?”

“People we like and trust,” they said.

“Exactly. Imagine working for a company expanding into another country. How different would that conversation be if you understood the culture — and spoke their language, even just a little?”

The student paused, smiled, and said,

“Wow. I never thought about it that way.”

That moment reminded me why I do what I do.

 It’s no longer about meeting a requirement — it’s about expanding their future.

The Data That Changes Conversations

Data that changes conversations — insights from ACTFL’s “Making Languages Our Business” report show how language skills open real career opportunities and global connections.

To make language learning real, I shared data from ACTFL’s Making Languages Our Business report — highlighting how employers actively seek bilingual and culturally aware professionals.

We talked about how Mexican companies such as Bimbo (owner of Sara Lee) and Cemex have a presence in Mississippi and how understanding Spanish can open career opportunities right here at home.

Mexico’s place in the world — a nation of creativity, scale, and linguistic richness that connects tradition, innovation, and global influence.

Students were surprised to learn that Mexico is the world’s largest Spanish-speaking nation, with 132 million people, and the sixth most-visited country in the world, welcoming over 45 million international visitors each year.

Culture Beyond the Classroom

Esquites — a taste of Mexico’s warmth and creativity.

Of course, no celebration of culture is complete without food. The street corn

(esquites) was a huge hit — the perfect blend of flavor and story. Food became a bridge, just like language, reminding everyone that culture is something you can experience, taste, and share.

Education as Advocacy

I left the event with a full heart. Conversations that began with a mask ended with curiosity — and that’s how change begins.

To educate is to advocate. Every question, every story, every student who paused to listen or play a cultural game was another spark — another reason to keep showing that language learning is not just about words. It’s about connection, courage, and culture.

Received this note from Jackie DiBiasie-Sammons, Senior Faculty Fellow at Luckyday Residential College:

"Thank you so much for your participation in our event. The students loved meeting you and learning about Mexico. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the video on our Instagram - the students talked about how much they enjoyed the information you shared. Thank you so much again for participating!"

This is the validation that matters most — not awards or recognition, but knowing that students walked away curious, engaged, and seeing language learning through a new lens.

When culture, curiosity, and data meet, education becomes advocacy.

I educate, therefore I advocate.

Want to bring authentic Mexican culture and language education to your classroom or school?

📧 Email: edgar@thebilingualspark.com

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Image Credits & Sources

Photo of Edgar Serrano wearing the luchador mask — taken by Jackie DiBiase-Sammons, University of Mississippi.

Selfie of Edgar Serrano with a student wearing luchador masks — taken by Edgar Serrano during the 'RC Around the World' event at the University of Mississippi.

 Infographic adapted from ACTFL’s “Making Languages Our Business” (2019). Used for educational and advocacy purposes.

All other photos, flyers, and cultural explanation cards — created and designed by Edgar Serrano, The Bilingual Spark

© 2025 The Bilingual Spark. All rights reserved. Content may be shared with attribution for educational purposes.