In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, North Lake College has created a series of blog posts and videos to dispel stereotypes while celebrating cultural diversity in the Hispanic/Latin American community. We strongly encourage you to share these stories and to join in on the conversation.
LET’S TALK ABOUT…
FAMILY
We asked North Lake College students and employees to share with us what family means to them, and how family dynamics/units in Hispanic and Latin American cultures are different (and the same) as in other cultures. Click the video to view their responses.
STEREOTYPES AND WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT BEING LATINO
Just as in all cultures, stereotypes are common obstacles many Hispanic/Latin Americans encounter and struggle to fight against. We asked employees and students to share with us common stereotypes they have heard and experienced, and to tell us what they love most about being Latino.
FOOD
When it comes to food in the Hispanic/Latin American culture there is absolutely no shortage of choices and creativity! From tamales and enchiladas to mole and pupusas, take a listen to learn more about just some of the foods and desserts there are to explore.
HUMANS OF NLC (HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH)
“One of the things I love most about my culture is the welcoming attitude we have toward others. If you are new in town, we will treat you as a member of our family. We focus on helping others no matter what. I had the honor of being raised in Venezuela by my grandparents, who taught me values in our culture that are part of the foundation of the person I am today.”
Alberto J. Galindez
San Felipe, Venezuela
Electrical Engineering Major
“I grew up surrounded by a large extended family. I was very close to my cousins, especially those who were close to my age and with whom we started an exclusive ‘cousin club.’ We constantly played outdoors and roamed freely throughout the city, at a time during which it was very safe to do so. I attended a very strict, Catholic elementary school that was taught exclusively by nuns. After moving to the United States, my father, mother, brother and I frequently returned to visit our family in Mexico. We would typically drive from Arlington to Celaya, a trip that took approximately 24 hours. I am extremely appreciative of the diverse and rich experiences that I had, and continue to have, which are common to our Latino heritage. I find that my culture truly values living, rather than merely existing.”
Enrique Otero
Psychology Faculty
Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico
