Angela Revels
Features Editor
Every fall, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a nationwide celebration of culture, history and identity. On college campuses, the celebration carries a powerful meaning, highlighting the importance of diversity, inclusion and cultural pride among students of all backgrounds.
At FSC, Hispanic Heritage Month offers a space for students to connect through shared traditions and learn from one another. It allows members of the campus community to appreciate the stories and customs that make up the Hispanic and Latinx experience.
The month itself is uniquely timed. It begins in mid September to coincide with the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, which all celebrate on Sept. 15. Mexico, Chile and Belize follow soon after. The celebration continues into October to recognize the full range of Latin American independence commemorations and the diversity of Hispanic cultures throughout the Americas.
For the members of the Hispanic Latinx Student Coalition (HLSC), this month is more than a tradition. It’s a chance to share pride in their heritage while encouraging inclusion across campus. Through a series of events, the organization works to create an environment where students can celebrate their cultures and learn from one another.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is about representation and community,” said HLSC president Alisia Francisco, a senior who has been part of the club since her freshman year. “It’s about making sure students feel seen, while also giving others the opportunity to experience and understand our culture.”
This year’s celebration featured events like Taco Night, Café con Leche and Arepas y Amigos, where students gathered to cook and share stories. The variation of activities show the fullness and diversity of Hispanic cultures.
“We’ve had so many people come out this year,” Francisco said. “You can feel the excitement and connection at every event.”
Among those in attendance was junior biology major Isabella Calvo, who moved to Florida from Panama. Though she’s not a member of HLSC, she says celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on campus has deepened her connection to her roots.
“When I lived in Panama, I didn’t really think about my culture much,” Calvo said. “But when I moved to the U.S., it made me feel more connected to where I’m from and to the traditions that make us who we are.”
Calvo attended the Arepas y Amigos event and said she loved learning how to make the traditional Venezuelan and Colombian dish.
“It was really fun because I got to learn something new that isn’t from my country, but still part of the Hispanic culture,” she said. “The food and music tell you a lot about people’s stories.”
For Calvo, Hispanic Heritage Month is essential on a college campus because it opens the door to learning.
“It teaches you more about other cultures, not just the little bubble you live in,” she said. “It helps you be more inclusive and understand other people’s backgrounds.”
She also enjoys sharing aspects of Panamanian culture with her friends, from discussing the country’s unique foods to fun historical facts.
“I love when people ask me about Panama,” she said. “Most people don’t know that Panama actually has two independence days, one from Spain and another from Colombia and that’s part of what makes celebrating this month so interesting.”
Leading up to the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, HLSC planned several exciting events to engage students across campus. On Oct. 13, the coalition is collaborating with the Multicultural Student Council for “Teach Me to Salsa” bringing in an instructor to teach salsa dancing while also offering churros and crafts for those who prefer to watch. The celebration closes out with HLSC’s Mercado, a Latin-inspired marketplace highlighting local Latin-owned businesses. On Oct. 15 taking place on Mr. George’s Green featuring food vendors, handmade goods and home products. These events provide opportunities for students to experience Hispanic culture firsthand, whether through music, food or shopping and help show the diversity of the Latinx community at FSC.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is about more than just events,” Francisco said. “It’s about celebrating who we are, where we come from, and making sure everyone feels they belong here, no matter their background.”
The Hispanic Latinx Student Coalition meets regularly throughout the semester and welcomes all students to join. For updates and upcoming events, follow them on Instagram at @fschlsc.
