Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, we reflect on the significance of this celebration and its relevance in the context of higher education. Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long tribute in 1868 and was extended to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. This month-long celebration honors the rich cultural heritage of Latin American countries. At Lumen, we are doing our part by shining a light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by Hispanic students who are attending higher education institutions.
For many Hispanic students, the pursuit of higher education is a transformative journey filled with unique challenges. According to a report on Latino students sharing their college experiences, a staggering 70% of Latinx students enrolling in college are first-generation scholars. This status brings with it a distinct set of obstacles, such as navigating the complex college application process, overcoming language barriers, and often coming from historically minoritized communities. To hear directly from students, we hosted a panel of remarkable students who candidly shared their experiences and triumphs in the face of these challenges while finding their place in the world of higher education.
During our enlightening conversation, Valeria Gutierrez-Cruz, a student from Charlottesville, VA, shed light on the added responsibility of educating her parents about the higher education process. This is a common experience shared by many Hispanic students, showcasing the multi-faceted nature of their academic journeys. Valeria also touched upon the representation of Hispanic heritage in educational materials and classrooms. While occasional nods to Hispanic culture are seen on campus, the lack of meaningful representation within coursework can leave Hispanic students feeling overlooked.
Throughout the conversation, panelists offered valuable insights into how educators can enhance inclusivity in the classroom. Carolina Alvarez, a student from Houston, Texas, emphasized the importance of not dismissing students’ questions or opinions, emphasizing that fostering a welcoming environment is crucial for their sense of belonging. Kiara Portillo, also from Houston, Texas, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the desire of Hispanic students to be heard and supported in their learning journey. Just like every student, they need educators who see their potential and are willing to nurture it.
Valeria’s personal experience with a professor who recognized her bilingualism as an asset rather than a deficit serves as a powerful reminder of the impact educators can have on students’ sense of belonging. By celebrating the diversity of skills and backgrounds within the classroom, educators can empower their Hispanic students to thrive.
Learn More
If you’re intrigued by the stories and insights shared by our panelists, you can watch the on-demand recording of “Latinx Belonging in Higher Education” here. If you wish to delve deeper into the challenges faced by other historically minoritized groups of students in higher education, such as those with diverse abilities, we invite you to explore our Elevating Student Voice Belonging Webinar Series. Here, you will find other on-demand recordings of past webinars as well as a registration form for our future webinars.