Every year since 1988, the United States has devoted National Hispanic Heritage Month between September 15 to October 15 to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. This time period also coincides with the independence celebrations for a number of Latin American countries.
Student reflections
Happy Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month! ¡Feliz mes de la herencia hispana/latinx!
As we celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, we invite you to read some reflections from some of our Hispanic and Latinx students.
Gaby Mata-Pacheco
When I reflect on Hispanic heritage month, I often find that I am always learning something new. Whether it be a historical figure, song, poem, or political event, I treasure the discovery and exploration of my Mexican heritage. During this time, I also think of my mother and the efforts she made to make sure I had a grasp on my roots in both Mexico and the US. Mexican and Chicano culture are so beautifully rich, and I intend to keep reaching news depths and understanding. This month is a reminder to be proud of all from which I come from.
Christian Pelayo
We celebrate this month to create visibility on the rich history and diversity of the Hispanic/Latino community. To me, my identity means a commitment to activism for justice towards marginalized communities. One of my favorite cultural traditions is the showing of love through cooking, especially during holidays. Pozole, birria, ceviche, enchiladas, tamales, chicharrónes – unique dishes that take time and effort. And though unique, always served as a plate full of love.
Margarita Castellanos Llorca
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Latinx/Hispanic community. For me, it’s also a time to honor the sacrifices made by our families and recognize both how far we’ve come and how much work remains. My relationship with my Latinx/Hispanic identity is complex, shaped by the experience of growing up undocumented. There were times when it felt more like a source of struggle than pride. However, over the years, I’ve learned to embrace it as something powerful and beautiful—a part of me that represents resilience, strength, and community. One of the ways I’ve come to feel more connected to my heritage is through our family traditions, especially our Christmas Eve tradition of making tamales together. Traditions like this keep me grounded in who I am and remind me of the beauty in our heritage, something we reflect on during this month.
Jacqueline Gisselle Rodriguez
As a Puerto Rican, Hispanic Heritage Month is both a celebration and a reminder of the complexities of our identities. We navigate a unique space—benefiting from U.S. citizenship but often not fully seen as American. We exist in an in-between, where our stories are overlooked, and our voices are frequently misunderstood. While we share cultural roots with other Hispanic and Latino communities, our experiences are distinct, and sometimes, we can’t fully relate to the added struggles that many of our brothers and sisters face. This month is an opportunity to acknowledge these nuances, honor our heritage, and stand in solidarity with the broader Latinx community. It’s a time to celebrate our contributions, our resilience, and the shared pride that binds us, even as we navigate our unique journeys.