Highlighting Hispanic/Latinx students and their heritage

Toreros recognizing and sharing in the beauty of their culture

Isabella Sanchez / Assistant Arts and Culture Editor / The USD Vista

From the recent rise in popularity of Latin Music to mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, it is easy to see the tremendous influence the vibrant culture of the Hispanic/Latinx community has on American culture.

Although we all indulge in the richness of the Hispanic/Latinx culture, celebrating and uplifting these groups does not receive enough attention. This is why it’s not only important to put a spotlight on the Hispanic/Latinx community this month but every month, due to their incredible culture and their countless contributions and achievements. 

Most importantly, it is imperative to celebrate and uplift USD’s own Hispanic/Latinx community. This month, USD students get their own well-deserved spotlight to share what it means to be Hispanic/Latinx during such a celebratory month.

For USD junior, Nicole Koutelos, her Colombian heritage is an integral part of her identity, and this month reminds her she’s not alone. Because this month not only provides her with the opportunity to celebrate her culture, but also other Hispanic/Latinx cultures, which is just as important to her.

“Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is important to me because I get to understand the importance of the impact of other Hispanic/Latinx cultures besides my own to society,” Koutelos said.

Koutelos acknowledges why each culture in the Hispanic and Latinx community is important, with their own unique traditions and contributions. But most importantly, for Koutelos, this month enables the Hispanic/Latinx community to feel hope. 

“Hispanics are considered minorities and so often they feel left out or discouraged,” Koutelos said. “But Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month allows them to see that there are some that appreciate the cultural benefits that Hispanics bring to such a diverse country like the U.S.”

Despite the excitement for this special holiday, Koutelos’ plans for this month are no different than her usual routine. 

“For me personally, I would like to say that I celebrate this month like every month of the year,” Koutelos said. “I listen to the typical music I would hear in my house growing up — salsa and merengue — and eat those delicious traditional meals made with that home made love.”

Despite Koutelos not being able to indulge in her traditional homemade dishes, she still gets her taste of home through different treats: “almojábanas,” “arroz con leche,” and more from a local Colombian restaurant downtown. For Koutelos, there is another exciting thing about this month.

“This month I get to share with others the pride and joy of what it means to be Colombiana,” Koutelos gushed.

Similarly, Andrea Ortiz, a USD sophomore, has a special connection to her country and roots. Ortiz is Salvadoran and lived in El Salvador for five years with her mother and grandma. The pride for her culture stems from how it connects Ortiz with her mother and her roots, and this month gives her time  to express her admiration.

“This month honors past generations and it gives me a sense of belonging to be a part of a large diaspora community,” Ortiz said. 

Although, at a young age, Ortiz did not feel the sense of belonging that she cherishes now. It was when Ortiz was about eight years old that her love for her heritage was ignited. The spark was a multicultural event hosted by her elementary school.

“For the longest time I’ve always felt like that term that says ‘ni aqui, ni alla’ (neither here, not there),” she admitted. “I always felt like I had one foot in American soil and one in my native country. I remember truly embracing my roots when I had my mom come into my school.”

Her mother had made the Salvadoran dish, “pupusas,” and despite believing that everyone would ignore it, all that was left by the end of the event were crumbs. It is through her mother’s pride for her roots that opened Ortiz’ eyes to the inherent beauty and richness of her culture. 

For Ortiz, where there is much to celebrate, there is even more to appreciate. 

“I appreciate the beauty of what El Salvador offers and the many wonderful people,” Ortiz gushed. “It’s breathtaking and it’s just a very special place. Our culture is so beautiful as it revolves around close-knit families who are proud of their community.”

Like Ortiz, USD sophomore Adrian Rivera believes in garnering appreciation for what Hispanic/Latinx communities have to offer and highlighting the beauty of their culture. Rivera’s roots go back to Mexico where his grandparents were born: the cities Jalisco and Zacatecas. 

For Rivera, this month is a powerful tool to show society how noteworthy and immense the Hispanic/Latinx community’s impact is. 

“Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is important to me because it shines a light on a spot that wasn’t being seen,” Rivera said. “It acknowledges and validates that Latinx culture and individuals are here and contributing to society.”

Rivera then gushed about many significant Hispanic/Latinx figures like Cesar Chavez, Frida Kahlo, and Sonia Maria Sotomayor. He also noted specific Hispanic/Latinx delicacies like “tacos,” “ceviche,” and “ropa vieja.”

For Rivera, celebrating means acknowledging those that came before him. To him, they are the ones that continue to give people the stepping stones to be where they are now and where they will be later. 

“Appreciate the culture that embraces you for you. Latinx Heritage Month isn’t just to remember the Latinx culture but to celebrate the benefits that have come from it and have been integrated into today’s society,” Rivera said. “Make sure to celebrate those that have come before you and thank them for anything they have done for you.”

Whether or not it is technically Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, the Hispanic and Latinx community and their voices should always be uplifted and appreciated. 

This special month could honestly  last an entire year because there is so much to celebrate; a month is not nearly enough. Out of all the USD student’s stories, one thing is evident: Hispanic/Latinx communities are an incredibly significant part of  our college campus.