Meet Our Faculty: Cai Olsen

Cai Olsen

Adjunct Professor of Portuguese

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

World Languages

What she teaches:

Portuguese 1010 and Portuguese 1020

Years at SLCC:

Undergraduate:

BA in Portuguese with Linguistics minor, Brigham Young University

Master’s:

Luso-Brazilian Literatures, Brigham Young University

Why working at SLCC matters:

I firmly believe that quality education should be widely accessible to everyone, regardless of background, socioeconomic circumstance, or results on a standardized test. The number of resources that SLCC provide its students and faculty is remarkable, as it fosters an environment in which all can be successful, and promotes a path to life-long learning.

Greatest professional challenge:

In the times of COVID, transitioning to an online format while maintaining a high level of student engagement has proved to be rewarding, but challenging. Additionally, I wish that there were more opportunities to teach more students Portuguese! It is challenging to not be able to devote all of my time to the subject I care most deeply about. (Sadly, my full-time work is at an accounting firm.)

Greatest professional accomplishment:

I began teaching Portuguese in a university setting at age 20 and finished my Master’s degree by age 23.

Advice for students or others:

Thinking specifically about the times we’re in, if students are struggling with all of the changes these past few semesters have brought, they should communicate that to their professors! We are eager to provide support, extend a helping hand, or even just lend a sympathetic ear. We are all trying to adapt together, and nobody should suffer alone.

In general, though, my advice to students is to use this time to take as many classes as they can manage, learn as much as possible, and thoroughly explore their interests and passions. You have your entire life to toil away at a full-time job, so use this time to carve out the best path for you.

Future plans:

I am eagerly awaiting the day that I can travel again!

Family:

I currently live with my caring, wonderful partner, Jeremy, who is also an adjunct professor at SLCC. We have two small rescue pups, Pepe and Daisy. I have one brother who recently graduated from law school at the University of Chicago. My parents reside in Texas—my home state. My dad spent much of his youth in Brazil, and instilled in me a love for Brazilian music.

Hobbies:

My hobbies include reading, politics, collecting vinyl, going out for a good brunch, and taking my pups for long walks. I also have a small psychedelic music project for which I write and record music.

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