On Friday, Sept. 15, the Elizabethtown College Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging cooperated with the Latinx/Hispanic Student Union (LHSU) to begin the commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a flag-raising event. Many different flags were displayed from various South American countries, as well as other countries in the Baugher Student Center (BSC). They will stay up for a month to honor and respect the Hispanic heritage by showcasing some of the cultural and historical diversity.
“This is not only a celebration but also a recognition of the independence of many Latino countries. To honor our origins during this month and learn more about who we are,” senior and president of the LHSU Sarah Moscoso said. “During this month, I feel empowered to celebrate my roots and identity with the school community.”
The event was presented and introduced by various speakers. They all feature the importance of this month. “Not being Hispanic does not limit you to advocating for the Hispanic community,” Moscoso said. After the speeches, there were tables filled with presentations on some Latinx countries, the theme being Travel to Latino countries. Different cuisines, cultures, history and many more were showcased during the event. “Watching people getting interested in my country and roots made me feel good because I am sharing who I am and my story with them,” junior international business attendee Crystal Romera said.
“Last year, Hispanic Heritage Month went very fast, so this year, we had a lot of reflection, and we wanted people to stop by and honor this month with us by organizing something after the speeches,” Moscoso said. “I learned more about my history during the event, and I am sure many others did too. But all this would not have happened without the help of the Latinx cabinet.”
The speakers and even attendees shared their stories about how it was hard for them to even decide to come to college because they did not know if they could afford it. “I remember how hard I worked in high school to secure my future. Working jobs and attending to my school assignments was not easy. But I made it and knowing that gives me pride and strength,” attendee Maria Gonzalez said. “The guidance and support the Latinx/Hispanic students give is refreshing. Because I know that they will have my back”
These stories are an eye-opener to many people. Students were able to hear the struggles many people go through to get where they are right now. Many related to those stories and expressed empathy, knowing the things people around them went through had many challenges along the way to get to where they are.
This event was a celebration for the whole College, a way to educate others on the Latinx community and share the joy of being one. “The Latinx/Hispanic student union is open to everyone and anyone,” Moscoso said. “I have many Hispanic friends and being here makes me feel closer to them,” an attendee stated. Smiles and laughter attracted more people to stop by the tables and admire all the work put into the event.
“It is my first semester here, and I did not know that we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at Elizabethtown College,” first-year psychology major Sophia Rema said. “It makes me so happy to see the flag of my country when I walk into the BSC. The memories of my family back home just came crashing into my mind in the most beautiful way.”
