As I sat thinking about a word that describes Hispanic culture, one thing came to mind: DIVERSA (diverse). A Hispanic is any person of Mexican, Cuban, Dominican, Puerto Rican, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture regardless of race. Like I said, DIVERSE, and that’s the beauty of it. People from so many places that come together as ONE.
September 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time not only to celebrate our history and accomplishments but to honor the pioneers that laid out the foundation for us. Individuals like: Roberto Clemente, Celia Cruz, Ellen Ochoa, Sylvia Mendez and many others that set the standard for us to strive for. The celebration officially concludes on October 15, but the work to stride forward and keep building on the work our ancestors laid out for us never stops.
Ser hispano es ser un luchador. Being hispanic is being a fighter. Fighting to become better each day. Fighting to not let certain stereotypes get to you. Fighting to make your family proud. But the biggest fight is with yourself; even when the odds are against us and we have to make something out of nothing, when it seems like the whole world is against us, the fight must never stop. This is what a lot of hispanics have to face in their everyday lives. Some left their countries to provide their families a better life. It's tough when people look at you weird because you are speaking in your native language; but you can always know that you are not alone. Not only do you have a whole community behind you; but most importantly, you have God leading the way.
There is also a great responsibility that comes from being Hispanic. For starters, we never turn our backs on people, just like Jesus taught us: “you shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31) We should also never let our culture die. Always be proud of where you came from, because that is what makes you unique. Lastly, never be afraid of embracing the challenge. Go at it with that fire that lives inside you.
Always be proud of where you came from, because that is what makes you unique.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate all that our community has done to impact the world for the better. It’s also a great time to learn about all the different hispanic cultures. I'm Puerto Rican, born and raised. I moved to the United States in pursuit of a better future for my family and myself. Throughout the journey I have met some wonderful people from different parts of the world. This has really shown me how to value others' differences, because the world would be a boring place if we were all the same. So let Hispanic Heritage Month be a reminder of how diversity is a beautiful thing and to always be ORGULLOSO (proud) of where you come from.
