by Diana Castro-Vazquez

In a speech to Hispanic law students at Hofstra University in 1996, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Maria Sotomayor said, “The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.”

From September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. According to the Census Bureau, “September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.” This month is dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging the impact of the Hispanic community in the U.S.

Every year, a new theme is introduced for Hispanic Heritage Month. According to the Diversity and Inclusion Speakers Agency, the theme for this year is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future, embracing rich traditions, old and new.” Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to remember the accomplishments of the people who came before us, as they chased the American Dream. It is a time to reflect on our dreams and the sacrifices we have made, as well as the sacrifices the generations before us made.

The possibility of higher education was not something available to many older generations in their home countries or even here in the U.S. For example, as of November 2024, Forbes reports that Mexico had 120 million inhabitants, but only 21 million students were being served in basic education, equivalent to K-12 education in the U.S. According to the Education Data Incentive, “college enrollment totaled 19.28 million undergraduate students nationwide in fall 2024 [and] 20.3 percent of the student population is Hispanic or Latino, up 48 percent since 1976.” This is an amazing thing; the Hispanic population in higher education keeps growing every year. At Greensboro College, 9.23 percent of students identify as Hispanic, including middle college, undergraduates and graduates.

In the U.S., Hispanic refers to, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “of, relating to, or being a person of Latin American descent and especially of Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican origin living in the U.S. [and] of or relating to the people, speech, or culture of Spain.” By U.S. standards, Spaniards are considered Hispanic because they are of the people, speech and culture of Spain. Despite this, many of them consider themselves European and do not celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month the way Hispanics in the U.S. do. Especially because, as stated above, Hispanic Heritage Month started as a way to celebrate the independence of Latin countries from Spain.

I have had the opportunity to meet a couple of Hispanic students at Greensboro College. As a Hispanic student, I can attest to the lack of Hispanic/Latino students on our campus, and it is something I hope changes in the future. I had the opportunity to speak with some alumni and a current GC student about their experiences. Genesis Chinchilla, a current junior at GC, was able to give me insight into her thoughts about being Hispanic: “Being Hispanic to me is about pride, resilience and connection. I love being Hispanic because we are proud of who we are, no matter where we go. We carry our roots with us. We work hard, we lift each other up, we are kind and accepting and we make sure everyone feels like family. Our culture is so diverse, from the music to the traditions and it brings people together. The food is incredible, the language is beautiful and there is so much history and meaning behind it all. Being Hispanic means representing generations of people who fought, struggled and celebrated so we could be here today. That makes me proud.”

Kattya Guardado is a GC alum who graduated in May of 2023 and she is Salvadorian-American. “To me, being Hispanic means carrying the love, sacrifices and dreams of my family wherever I go. It is the sound of the language spoken at home, the taste of traditional food that connects me to my culture, the values of hard work and resilience passed down through generations. It is pride in my roots, but also a reminder of the responsibility I must honor my heritage and open doors for those who come after me. Being Hispanic is not just who I am; it is the heart of my identity and the story I continue to live and share.” Guardado reflects on her time at GC and states that she did feel represented at GC. “I do see representation in some areas, but there is still room for greater visibility and acknowledgment of Hispanic voices, cultures, and contributions within the college community. I would like to see more visibility of Hispanic culture woven into campus life, whether through events, guest speakers or spaces that celebrate our traditions and stories. Representation is not only about numbers, but also about feeling seen and valued. Having opportunities to share our culture with others would help create a stronger sense of belonging and community.”

I was also able to interview another GC alum who graduated in May of 2025, who wishes to remain anonymous. Their Hispanic/Latino roots do not only stem from their home country; it runs deeper than that. “For me, being Hispanic/Latino is the essence of my roots. It encompasses the language, food and the foundation of who we are. In the United States, we contribute significantly to society. Our heritage, which has been built and continues to evolve, showcases the diversity of our culture. Regardless of our origin, whether from Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala or any other place, we are the ones who are building hospitals, businesses, growing our crops and creating delicious dishes, of course and more!” Like Guardado, this alum believes there is room for growth at GC regarding representation. “My home country is El Salvador, and during my time at our school, I felt represented. I met many incredible people who have shaped who I am today. However, it is important to remember that everything has a beginning. By being part of the Greensboro College International Club, I was able to showcase not just one aspect of my identity, as it is a multicultural organization. Instead, I had the opportunity to share a glimpse of who I am and what I represent to a certain extent. I believe Greensboro College is doing a great job in attracting more international students to our college. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of Latinos on campus. One way to further enhance this is by increasing the variety of dishes served in the cafeteria. By featuring more dishes from my country and sharing the stories behind them, we can create a more authentic and enriching dining experience, as well as hosting events that represent us Latinos, and let people know more about all the amazing things our culture has [to offer].”

To reflect on their college experiences, they were also asked if they think it is important for more Hispanics/Latinos to go to college. All three of them said yes. Chinchilla states, “Yes, I think so. They do not necessarily have to, but for a lot of us, it is a big deal because many Hispanic parents did not have the opportunity to continue their education. Being a first-generation [college student] is a milestone. It breaks barriers and sets the foundation for the next generation. Going to college shows those around us that it is possible. It is not just about getting a degree; it is about creating opportunities, having a voice in places where we are not always represented and showing pride in our culture by succeeding. The more of us who go to college, the more we can change the future for our families and communities.”

Guardado believes it is important for Hispanics to go to college as well. “Yes, I believe it is very important. Higher education opens doors to opportunities that can uplift individuals, families and entire communities. For Hispanics and Latinos, increasing college representation helps break cycles of limited access, challenges stereotypes and ensures that our voices are included in shaping the future. Education is not only about personal success but also about creating pathways for the next generation.” The anonymous alum wants to emphasize the importance of college. “I want to emphasize the importance of pursuing higher education for more Hispanic/Latino students. By doing so, we can strengthen our roots and make a positive impact on our communities. Knowledge is power, and by making history, we ensure that we are remembered for our contributions. There are many ways to achieve this, and one way is by acquiring knowledge through education. Whether it is becoming a doctor, an engineer or pursuing any other career path, I am confident that we will continue to improve and make a difference wherever we go.”

As a fellow Hispanic, I agree with everything that has been previously stated. I have tried to represent Hispanics in any way possible. I write for The Collegian, I am the president of Greensboro College International Club and I have collaborated previously with t