Written by Jeanine Horio, Transfer Jacks Peer Mentor
For the past month, the Northern Arizona University community has been celebrating Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month. Each year, September 15 to October 15 is observed to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of individuals whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This observation began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week. President Ronald Reagan expanded on this idea in 1988 to cover a 30-day period that started on September 15 and ended on October 15. This was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. (https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/).
Throughout the month, NAU has put on a plethora of events like Lotería (Mexican Bingo), Latin Dance Night, a series of guest speakers, and even tailgating at a football game. Our team partnered with NAU’s Office of Inclusion (IMQ) for Lotería to do our part in celebrating our transfer students with Hispanic and Latine cultures. Our team has current and former mentors that are proud to identify within the Hispanic and Latine cultures and wanted to share their stories.
Cat Campos, a former Transfer Jacks Mentor, is currently studying Secondary Education in History with a minor in Ethnic Studies and transferred from Cal Poly Humboldt.
How is your culture reflected in the work that you do? My culture is reflected within the work I want to do, teaching, because aspects of my culture included inclusiveness, hard work, and family orientation, which I would like to do within my own future classrooms.
What is your favorite food from your culture? I honestly love all the foods that I can eat at least, since I am vegetarian. I love tacos de papa, Mexican rice, beans, flautas, enchiladas, nachos, tostadas, elotes, homemade flour tortillas, etc. The list can go on.
What is your favorite celebration from your culture? Dia de Los Muertos.
Who is your role model within your culture? My great-grandmother, she was the stable foundation for my neighborhood community.
How is your culture a part of your identity? My culture is only part of my identity but is a huge part because I love who I am and my roots. However, I do have other aspects of my identity that do fill in the other spaces.
Yendira Pineda, a Senior Transfer Jacks Mentor, is currently studying Business Management with a minor in Psychology and transferred from Estrella Mountain Community College.
How is your culture reflected in the work that you do? It gives me the opportunity to share my experiences with others, so they don’t feel alone and develop long-lasting relationships.
What is your favorite food from your culture? Tacos de cabeza.
What is your favorite celebration from your culture? Christmas Eve. I get together with my family and some of my neighbors and we’ll celebrate the holiday together with a game of Secret Santa, a bonfire, hot chocolate, music, and by midnight, all of the kids will open their presents. We all just spend time together till the early hours of Christmas morning.
Who is your role model within your culture? My grandmother. She did not have the
best childhood nor education she would have liked, but she encompassed this persona of “independent boss lady” vibes who doesn’t let anyone, or anything, get in her way of forming her life. She is always eager to know more about my career aspirations, motivates me to step out of my comfort zone, listens to me, and gives me the best life lessons to live by.
How is your culture a part of your identity? I’d say being a first-generation Latina encompasses part of my identity. As the oldest, you focus heavily on taking care of others and putting them first. Soon you realize it’s okay to prioritize yourself. Pave the way to grow and focus on yourself, accomplish your dreams, and inspire others to do the same.
Leah Minero, a Transfer Jacks Mentor, is currently studying Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies and transferred from Chandler Gilbert Community College.
How is your culture reflected in the work that you do? It has given me more motivation to succeed in school.
What is your favorite food from your culture? Street tacos.
What is your favorite celebration from your culture? Dia de Los Muertos.
Who is your role model within your culture? My role model within my culture is Frida Kahlo.
How is your culture a part of your identity? Being biracial, I am extra proud of my Hispanic Heritage. It influences different parts of me such as my life experiences and the values I hold for myself.
Jennifer Wadley, a Transfer Jacks Mentor, is currently studying Exercise Physiology and transferred from Pima Community College.
How is your culture reflected in the work that you do? Unfortunately, my culture isn’t really reflected in the work (Exercise Physiology) that I do. This is why I strive for the career I do so that I can represent my culture and help others when they feel they do not have a voice.
What is your favorite food from your culture? Birria with extra cilantro, onions, and limón.
What is your favorite celebration from your culture? Christmas Eve! It’s amazing being surrounded by family, eating cookies and tamales. We stay up all night just to open our presents before the children.
Who is your role model within your culture? My mom! Being an immigrant is challenging, with all the trials and tribulations she has faced she always provided for us and kept pushing regardless of how many times she’s been pushed down. I honestly wish one day I could be half the woman she is.
How is your culture a part of your identity? My culture is a part of everything I do. My culture molded me into the person I am today.
We are grateful to the students who took the time to share about their cultural background. Our team will continue to celebrate heritage and a variety of life experiences throughout the academic year.