Five-Minute Feature: Cynthia Flax, Adjunct Lecturer for Spanish 

Smiling woman in glasses looking at a black mask sculpture on a bookshelf, next to SUNY Empire 5 Minute Feature logo.
Photo courtesy of Cynthia Flax.
Posted On: September 23, 2025

Get to know the Empire State University community through this rapid-fire interview series that bridges professional accomplishments and personal interests. What makes Empire State University exceptional? The unique people behind the work. Five minutes—starting now!

What led you to teach the subject you’re teaching?

Destiny! The Spanish language and the many cultures that speak it have been in my path from the beginning of my career in education, some 45 years ago, and I have loved every day of it!

What is your favorite thing about SUNY Empire? 

I agree with how the university fosters the development of good communication skills in Spanish as a Second Language.

What’s one moment in your career you’re especially proud of? 

I was proud to have been a recipient of the 1995 National Endowment for the Humanities Project Pluma Awards. This scholarship identified Spanish teacher leaders throughout New York state who sought in-depth studies and immersion in a Hispanic culture other than their own. Recipients were required to share this information with other foreign language teachers, which led me to present at many professional conferences. The sponsor of this opportunity was The Institute for Urban and Minority Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. This program led a group of educators to study the Spanish language and ancient cultures in Mexico during the summer months. First, at Columbia University, and later the group traveled to different locations throughout Mexico. While in Mexico, we studied with local cultural experts. It was a life-changing experience impacting my teaching career.

What’s the most random hobby or interest you’ve ever had? 

I enjoy searching for and finding Picasso paintings in all the art museums around the world. Now, this hobby has extended to finding works by Diego Rivera and Botero.

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? 

Uruguay! I briefly visited Colonia and the surrounding areas, and very much enjoyed the rural and slower pace of their lifestyle and sense of community life.