“It’s easy to forget our roots when we aren’t around it all the time.”
AmeriCorps has always set out to be a lifechanging opportunity for fellow life changers. 4-H CAPITAL is no different. Each year we bring over 30 members from across the country to serve with us here in Austin, TX. For 10 months
, our instructors devote their time to increasing science capital in their new communities.
We spend these months getting to know our students and seeing them grow up so much in such a short amount of time. In all that we do and in all that we give, it’s easy to forget about our own personal reflection. We are grateful to have a team so rich in diverse life experiences. We have all come from different backgrounds and have a unique story to tell. During October, 4-H CAPITAL celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting our LatinX members and giving them a platform to voice their stories.
As you read about what Hispanic Heritage Month means to these 4-H instructors and staff, we encourage you reflect on your own traditions and values within your family. Please feel free to share the stories, recipes, and praises of your personal upbringing in the comments below.
Alicia: It wasn’t until I was away from my roots that I realized how important it was to understand and appreciate my culture. When I went from San Antonio, TX to Cedar Falls, Iowa the culture shock was real and what I knew about my culture was really put to a test. Now that I am back in Austin and a few hours away from San Antonio, I have realized that Hispanic Heritage month should not just be a month long celebration it should be celebrated and recognized throughout the year.
I love Menudo! I know that it is not loved by many, but now that it gets chilly I crave my mom’s Menudo! Also tamales! If anyone knows of a good place to try – please leave a comment! Forever searching, because nothing tastes better than my mom’s cooking! or San Antonio ha!
Kryssie: My grandma’s side of the family is from Mexico and my grandpa’s side of the family is from Spain. My white passing appearance and lack of Spanish fluency has put me in a strange cultural limbo that is difficult to break out of.
Hispanic heritage month to me means relearning the culture that wasn’t taught throughout my childhood due to generational fears and desires to “Americanize” the family.It means that I can claim ownership of the parts of myself that I am still becoming familiar with.
Rina: I’m part Colombian and part Mexican! Growing up in Laredo which is predominately Hispanic, Hispanic heritage month was never something I never really celebrated or thought much about.
However, being away from my hometown for a couple of years now, it feels like it wasn’t a big deal in Laredo because living there was a constant celebration of our identity. Although I am now vegan, I miss chicarron and the way my home would smell like fried pig’s skin for hours afterwards. I’m Hispanic, half Costa-Rican and half Panamanian.
Daemary: Hispanic heritage month means to me a month that I’m reminded to appreciate the rich culture that I come from.
It’s easy to forget our roots when we aren’t around it all the time. My favorite dish I like to both cook and eat is hojaldras with salchichas. Hojaldras are like a fried bread that you can put cheese on the top, and I always pair it with a side of salchichas. It’s basically cut up hot dogs in this tomato and onion based sauce. The hojaldras with the cheese, mixed with the sauce is the best part.
Camila: I was born in Colombia in the city of Cali Valle de Cauca. For me, Hispanic Heritage Month has not been a significant part of my life. I choose to observe and celebrate my heritage every day.
I think Hispanic Heritage Month is a great chance for Americans to reflect on the presence and influence Hispanxs and Latinxs have on the fabric of America and honor the cultures that have fueled this country. My favorite dish to cook is Sancocho de Pescado which is a traditional Colombian fish stew.