Every year on September 15, Hispanic Heritage Month officially starts, kicking off an entire month with a strong sense of pride in one’s Hispanic and Latin roots. The month celebrates those of Hispanic and Latin origins living in the United States who have faced hardships as an immigrant community. President Lyndon B. Johnson introduced Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, though Hispanic Heritage Month was not instituted until several years later. Now, all Americans are able to officially pay tribute to those of Hispanic and Latin heritage who have contributed to the progression and development of America, as well as those who will continue to participate in shaping the future of our country. Andrews University is known for its diverse student body, and the Hispanic/Latinx community on our campus greatly contributes to our multicultural background. It is a privilege and honor for Andrews University to recognize our Hispanic and Latino students during Hispanic Heritage Month. I asked several Andrews University students to reflect on Hispanic Heritage Month and what makes them proud of their heritage.
Nathalie Batres (junior, psychology, pre-dent) México/El Salvador
[I’m proud of] those who have come from nothing and have worked so hard to make something out of nothing.
Yulian Tinoco (graduate, clinical mental health counseling) Venezuela/Columbia
Something that makes me proud of where I’m from is that even when there is something bad happening in our homes or in our country, people are still generally happy. They don’t let the bad things get to them because they focus on the important things, which is usually family.
Kelly Schwarzer (senior, psychology) Bolivia
One of the reasons I am proud of my Hispanic culture is because of the community I am a part of. No matter what Hispanic country you may be from, everyone is family and everyone is treated as family. The second reason I am proud of my Hispanic culture is the diversity that it brings such as the food, language, and traditions.
Jenna Donaldson (senior, political science and Spanish) Panama
Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because it sets aside a period of time to acknowledge and appreciate Hispanic culture and its influence in this country. I think a lot of times Hispanic culture is either forgotten/left out of the story or lumped into one small box. But during this month, at least on Andrews’ campus, we’re able to get a better picture of what Hispanic cultures really look like.
Abraham Bravo (senior, political science) México
I find that Hispanic Heritage month is incredibly important to me because it’s a time where my culture is celebrated. It’s a time for those who wish to learn more about where I come from and can engage with the community that is largely silent but ever growing in the United States.
Isabella Rappette (junior, finance) Spain
Two things I appreciate about my Spanish heritage: I really appreciate the closeness of family, even if you barely know them. Everyone is kind and takes care of each other. I also appreciate the food and fellowship that comes with that! My family has traditional foods we serve each year around the holidays that bring us all together. It reminds the older family of their childhoods and allows them to pass those memories down to us.
Brandon Alvarez (sophomore, business pre-med) Dominican Republic and México
I’m immensely proud to be Latino because it means that I can be a part of a vibrant culture where treating everybody like family is a part of who we are.
Moises Reyes (sophomore, mathematics and religion) Dominican Republic
One thing I am very proud of in my culture is that we are hardworking people. I remember growing up I would ask my parents to tell me the stories of them growing up, and every time I would feel so proud and in awe every time I heard how they overcame their hardships and pushed past their tribulations. It has made such an impression on me and my life that I aim to define myself by a hard work ethic and persistence, just like my parents.
Nick Bishop (sophomore, psychology pre-med) Argentina
To pinpoint one thing that makes me proud of my Latino heritage is extremely difficult because there’s so much, whether that’s la comida, música, la gente, or the affection and warmth Latinos have. But to describe one specifically would be the motivation and drive for success that I have due to the fact that I come from an immigrant family. My mother and grandparents have worked so hard and hearing their stories and witnessing the greatness they’ve done fuels my passion and drive for success. I’m proud of the fact that above all the challenges, language and cultural barriers faced throughout the Latino experience we still persevere and don’t let anything stop us. Having this behind me, makes me feel like there’s nothing I can’t do.
Nailea Soto (freshman, global studies pre-law) México
Something that I am proud of in my culture is that we have a lot of determination. A lot of times, people like to underestimate us because they think that we aren’t capable of achieving our dreams in this country. But the Hispanic community has shown me that with great determination, comes great strength.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.