What do I want people to know about me, what Hispanic Heritage Month means to me, and how do I embed this in my everyday work?
Something I would like for everyone to know is that English is truly my second language, and it may surprise you that I was born in Guatemala and immigrated to MA as a baby. Even more surprising is that I speak English better than Spanish despite English being my second language. It is likely a take on the importance of education that my family upheld; I was taught that through education and hard work, anything is possible. I had to work hard to become a naturalized citizen and reach a series of accomplishments; everyday I have gratitude for the humble beginnings and things I learned along the journey.
Hispanic Heritage Month holds immense significance for me. It’s a time to honor a people’s identity, past and future contributions, as well as to embrace opportunities and forge partnerships.
I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with immense pride and gratitude for the rich culture and contributions it represents. At Eliot CHS, these same values drive my daily work – from refining processes to ensuring every individual feels welcomed and engaged. Hispanic culture embodies identity, diversity, and inclusion, shaping a strong community. I’m honored to be part of this heritage and excited about the opportunities for Latinx individuals to lead and foster unity at Eliot CHS. In terms of the futuristic outlook of hispanic influences, contributions, and partnerships, I will end this message with a positive Mexican saying from activist Cesar Chavez that I embraced in my tenure in Arizona, and that is, “Si Se Puede!” or “you can do it!/It can be done!”