Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) is recognized as a time to celebrate the contributions, hardships, vibrancy, and traditions of Latino and Hispanic cultures in the United States.

 The celebration begins on September 15, aligning with the independence anniversaries of Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. It also coincides with Mexico’s independence on September 16 and Chile’s on September 18, honoring the resilience and history of Latin America as a whole. 

Beyond Latin America, Hispanic Heritage Month also acknowledges the diversity of the Hispanic community, including the cultural influence of Spain and Caribbean countries such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

I spoke with seven Latino students from GSU, representing countries across Central and South America, and asked them what this month means to them. 

Whether Spanish is their first language or not, and regardless of their home countries, these students emphasized that Latino communities find strength through shared traditions, resilience, and pride. 

Why is it important to celebrate now?

The political climate right now is causing more and more hate toward Hispanic people, and it has gone way too far out of control to be considered ‘just a joke’.

Just because something is becoming normalized doesn’t make it right. 

It’s hard to understand why people bicker and complain about dedicating only a month to something that we were born into and have absolutely no control over. We should celebrate all cultures all months of the year.

We’re not forcing anyone to celebrate during this time; we’re just celebrating our culture and the strides that our past has made to help us get to where we are now.  But honestly, who wouldn’t want to celebrate? 

In the same way, no one is forced to embrace our culture; no one should feel justified in spreading hate as well. 

Yet, the hate persists across the nation. 

And the irony is that many of the same people who criticize us are the ones sitting down at a local Mexican restaurant ordering chips and salsa. 

You can’t love the culture and not support the people. 

• Students requested anonymity to feel more comfortable sharing personal experiences in order to keep their peace and safety.

Best of Both Worlds

Do you ever feel insecure about your ethnicity?

“I’m a first-generation American, raised by immigrant parents in the countryside. I take pride in being Latino, and I try to connect with my roots as much as I can. However, the first time I felt out of place was in fifth grade when my classmate asked whether I had a green card or not. I had no idea what that was at the time, of course, so I had to ask my mom. My American friends would call me ‘Mexican’, even though I’m from a small country in Central America. 

Now that I have more Latino friends, they think I’m white-washed. I guess there’s always like a box I’m trying to fit into, even though in the end I’m both American and Hispanic. I think that gives me the best of both worlds.”

American and Costa Rican Student.

A Welcoming Community 

“The thing I like the most about being Latino is the values my family raised me with. It made me grow to be a person who takes care of the people around me,  and it is a culture where you try to face things in the best way possible, putting God first. 

I am proud to come from a Latino bloodline and am very proud of my ethnicity. 

One thing about our culture is that we are very welcoming. We try to get everyone interested in our delicious food, our music, and our rich history.”

Have you ever faced discrimination here at GSU? 

“I haven’t faced any sort of direct discrimination for being a Latino, really, but have encountered some ignorant hecklers making fun of my language, but I don’t pay much mind to it because it makes me laugh.” 

Honduran Student

Our food has Stories Behind It 

“I love being Latina. Everyone knows our food is delicious, but I wish people knew more about the stories behind how each plates are made! Our coffee is also the best, in my opinion. Sometimes it’s hard to be in spaces where I can tell I’m not wanted there, especially during these politically heightened times, but I  have never felt insecure about my ethnicity, and I’m proud to be a Latina and celebrate Latinx culture.” 

Have you ever faced discrimination here at GSU? 

“A couple of times. I have been made fun of for speaking Spanish out loud on the phone or with my friends. 

• Once, a group of people just yelled out words, copying what my friend and I were saying, and we laughed it off at the time, but it made us start speaking at a lower volume in public.” Columbian Student. 

Try Everything. 

“My favorite thing about being Latina is having passionate music like reggaeton and eating baleadas. I love how our food connects people all over the world; however, I wish people knew more about the different types of dishes we have. Latin food is not just tacos. Give everything a try.” 

Have you ever felt unwelcome or self-conscious about your Latin roots?

“No! I love my background and I am proud to represent it even far from home. Gsu feels like a home away from home for me and I have been lucky to find a welcoming group of people here where I can be myself and share my culture freely.” 

Honduran Student. 

We’re Not All the Same

“My favorite thing about being Latino is definitely the culture, the music, the close-knit sense of community with their people. 

Lately, with politics and stuff, it’s felt complicated at times, but I love my ethnicity and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Is there something you wish more people knew about your culture?

“Something I wish more people knew about my culture is that not everything is in Mexico. 

It’s just the way some people use it that comes across as a harmful generalization for all Latin American countries, including Mexico. 

We are different countries with different cultures with its own food, its own music, its own vibe.” 

Salvadoran and Italian Student.

Lucky to be Latino

“Obviously, the people and the music are the best part of being Latino. Reggaeton, bachata, and Hispanic music in general help us bond with others. I believe my culture has opened doors and opportunities for me, allowing me to meet new people and see the world through a different lens. 

I can admit that sometimes I feel insecure about my ethnicity; I bet everyone does. But at the end of the day, being part of this amazing community outweighs those insecurities. It makes me realize how lucky I am to be part of something so full of history, love, and tradition.” 

Salvadoran Student. 

Unity

“I wish people would experience that strong sense of unity and connection Latinos have with each other. 

Here at Georgia Southern, people made me feel welcomed my first year, but especially I have felt welcomed by the Latinix students. By simply sharing the same values, we instantly clicked.” 

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month now?

“It’s a way to make us feel close to home, take pride in our culture, and appreciate the achievements our people have accomplished!” 

Nicaraguan Student.

~~~

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for both celebrating and noticing.

Notice the resilience, the diversity, and celebrate the voices that make the Latino community thrive.