There is an undefined beauty in the appreciation and time dedicated to Hispanic culture, otherwise known as Hispanic Heritage Month. The beauty that comes with this month includes the opportunity to get an understanding of rich traditions, charming languages, customs, and past histories of Hispanic and Latino culture, all while getting a realization of the significant involvement of those things within normal American society. Although the labeled month is over with, Hispanic Heritage Month lasts from September 15 to October 15, the love for the rich culture continues within the Hispanic community. The appreciation of this culture is heavily shared between our students as well, things like food and the coming together of families are a common connection between our Hispanic students.
“My culture’s language, the diversity, and the traditional clothes are all things that make Mexico as special as it is and are the things I love about my culture,” senior Adrian Roldan said. “Día De Los Muertos is a time for remembering your loved ones, and that makes it very significant to me, and special.”
Adrian highlighted that the Day of the Dead, also known as Día De Los Muertos, is a favorite tradition of his since it’s unique and no other culture has it. This specific tradition brings families together, exemplifying Adrian’s love for his family.
“To be honest, culture differentiates me from everyone and makes me even more my own person,” junior Giezi Morales said.
The family-oriented tradition gives a moment to remember your loved ones that have passed in a way of peace and healing, and connecting the loved ones with you at the moment in a deeper way. Día De Los Muertos isn’t celebrated to bring sadness, but to feel closer to lost loved ones, celebrate the lost loved ones’ next chapter, and commemorate the legacy they left behind.
“My culture gives me unique traits and experiences that I have for myself to learn from,” senior Rogelio Garcia said.
Culture means different things to everyone, but adding to culture makes the lives of these students different experiences from everyone else’s. Culture allows for different stories, different struggles, and different ways of showing love, but all those differences bring people together to share these stories and give us, ourselves who we are. All the different stories and past experiences, struggles, contributions, and achievements of the Hispanic community are honored through Hispanic Heritage Month.
Veteran English and ESL teacher, Mrs. York, helps to continue the love of Hispanic culture throughout the years with her students “through projects we do and visiting places in town that align with the kids’ Hispanic culture.”
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for all students to come together, and take a moment to properly recognize the significance of the contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made here. Although, the love for family morals the Hispanic culture provides, and of course the food, is continued to be shared between students, and appreciated always.
“I don’t think I would be the person I am and have the values I have today without the Hispanic traditions,” freshman Gabby Chavarria said.
