Bridgewater, Va. – On Wednesday, Sept. 15, the Latinx Student Association hosted the start of Hispanic Heritage month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

During this event, members of the LSA informed students about the importance of Hispanic Heritage month in the KCC main dining hall, while playing Latinx music. 

“It’s a way to bring awareness to other cultures other than Mexican cultures,” said senior Pamela Gonzalez-Encina, president of the LSA. “I think a lot of people focus on Mexican culture and forget there are other countries that have their own cultures, so this is a way of bringing awareness. Not just to the rest of the world, but also to other backgrounds”

“Both my parents are from Puerto Rico, but I was born and raised in the U.S,” said senior Tiara Madera. “I love learning about the culture and eating all the typical Puerto Rican foods my parents grew up eating.”

Non-Hispanic students are encouraged to take initiative by attending the club meetings, as well as the events LSA hosts, in order to learn more about Hispanic culture. The club also seeks to break the stereotypes of second generation children born in the U.S.

“Since my parents aren’t from here, I had to go through a lot of stuff by myself, especially school,” said Gonzalez-Encina. “Even if you don’t come to the meetings, come to the events because that’s where we apply knowledge about the culture.” 

The club is open to everyone. There is no application process to become a member, all students have to do is be eager to learn more about the Latinx community and culture.

For seniors who have been attending meetings regularly and have been involved with the Latinx club for at least one year, there is a reward for their hard work and dedication — the Diversity Medallion that is given to wear at graduation. 

For students who want to learn more about their heritage or who want to be engaged in different cultures, the LSA meetings are currently held on Wednesdays, every two weeks. Check out the LSA Instagram page (bridgewatercollegeLSA) or email the LSA club at:[email protected] for more information.

Hispanic Heritage Month is not over yet and the LSA has more planned for the students at BC. 

Gonzalez-Encina is hosting a Lotería night this month. Lotería, a Spanish word for lottery, is a traditional game similar to bingo, but it uses images rather than numbered ping pong balls. 

The LSA executive board is also planning to host a celebration for Día de los Muertos in the month of November and will bring back the traditional salsa night. Date, time and location is yet to be determined. The board members encourage students to look out for emails from Campus Events regarding these celebrations.