7 Things About Victoria Gonzlez-Rivera

Victoria González-Rivera obtained her bachelor's degree from Oberlin College, her master's degree from the University of New Mexico and her Ph.D. from Indiana University.

She is the author of "Before the Revolution; Women’s Rights and Right-Wing Politics in Nicaragua, 1821-1979" and the co-editor of "Radical Women in Latin America. Left and Right."

González-Rivera is currently working on a new book tentatively titled "One Hundred Years of LGBT Nicaraguan History." She is an assistant professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies and teaches courses on colonial Mexico, Mexican/Chicana women’s history and LGBT history.   

1. What inspired you to do this kind of work? 

I grew up in Nicaragua during the last few years of the right-wing Somoza dictatorship and the first few years of the leftist Sandinista revolution that overthrew the Somozas.  I felt that was being written about Nicaraguan women’s history during the late 1980s, when I was an undergraduate student, did not tell the full story. 

I wanted to delve into the complexities of Nicaraguan women’s history. This interest led me to pursue the Ph.D. history and become (to the best of my knowledge) the first woman of Nicaraguan origin to obtain a Ph.D. in Latin American History from a United States institution. 

In addition to writing about Nicaragua, I write about Latino/as in the United States, particularly those living along the U.S.-Mexico border, the second place I call home. 

2.  How long have you worked at SDSU?

I have worked here for almost nine years. I started off as a part-time lecturer before joining my department as a tenure-track faculty member.   

3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

“I don’t want to see you until you’ve submitted your book manuscript to the press.”
 
4. What is your favorite thing about your job? 

I enjoy interacting with all students, and especially value the opportunity to mentor those who need it the most:  low-income, first-generation students.  Additionally, I have great colleagues, and I love writing.  Plus, I get to work on a beautiful campus in beautiful weather.  I can’t complain about any of this. 

5. What about your field or position do you think would surprise people the most? 

On average, it takes more than 10 years (after undergraduate studies) to complete a Ph.D. in Latin American history.  However, Assistant Professors of History on average make as much as high school teachers.

6. What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?

I started my tenure-track position with a 3 month-old baby, a two year old, and a five year old.   

7.  If you could only rescue one thing from your burning office, what would it be?

My kids’ artwork.

Bonus Questions

1. What is your favorite kind of music/what are your favorite bands?

I love dancing to cumbias, merengue, salsa, norteño, banda, boleros and country western music. 

2. What is your favorite sports team or who is your favorite individual athlete?

I love watching my kids play soccer. I am their biggest fan.