If you know me, I enjoy my time learning through storytelling and discussions. Amherst students recently hosted an event called Alza Tu Voz, Raise Your Voice, as an opportunity for students to share about Latinidad through poems, stories, songs, etc.
Coming from an Oaxacan household, I am always looking to connect to others and their experiences. A lot of the themes that had been presented were both sweet and sour. Ranging from war to immigration to undertones of the ‘loud tias,’ I am so glad I was able to attend an event in which we all had a common interest. The room filled with professors, and passionate performers once again proved to me the importance of story-telling. Having the space to witness the intense feeling the student performers brought to the table and the taste of the rice and bean burrito filled my heart with joy. It brought back a sense of home. Over the dinner table, where I was able to converse over tasty meals was my favorite part of the day. It seems simple but it runs much deeper than that. A part of the Latino soul travels through the food and the conversation and just simply talks.
It warms my heart to know that Amherst students are very interested and continue these traditions. With this in mind, I plan to attend all types of events. There is always something to learn about them. Today I was reminded of the importance of community.
The college’s efforts to spread diversity and inclusivity are one of the reasons I want to be involved. Through experience and working together, I love that there are various opportunities in which our values can be shared. Not only the Amherst community but other communities are being impacted by everyone’s efforts as a collective.