UNIDOS EN UF

UF HISPANIC-LATINO AFFAIRS“We’ve expanded, we’ve grown, and we won’t stop. HLA is everywhere.

HLA is where family finds their home.”

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA MULTICULTURAL AND DIVERSITY AFFAIRS

Issue 1

THE FIRST OF MANY: FIRST GENERATION

STUDENTS

ROMMY TORRICO VISITS UF!

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Table of Contents

Community

HLA Happenings

In Solidarity

University

The Latin flare can be found in Gainesville, you just have to know where to look.

See what the department has been doing to

keep UF inclusive.

It’s not just about one community, it’s about humanity.

Check out the Hispanic-Latino/x climate at the

University of Florida.

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Before diving into this magazine I hope you read my note with interest in what truly lies within these pages. Hispanic-Latino Affairs has gone through a lot of transition. From one space to two, one name uniting us all, and a brand new staff to guide a new set of ambassadors along a new vision, transition almost doesn’t describe the change and growth that’s occurred within the department. Unidos en UF is meant to reflect this growth. Gabe had the idea to create a magazine that encompassed what HLA represents, and my goal was to showcase what HLA has to offer and unfortunately these pages don’t do it even a bit of justice. This isn’t a typical magazine. Its stories and content will reflect not only what HLA has done, they will provide an inside look at the Hispanic-Latinx community-- especially here at the University of Florida. It will do it through the eyes of students who dedicate their time and efforts to bring progress to the communities they identify with. Not everyone is a writer, photographer or designer but everyone is invested. The investment that each student has is evident within these pages. And I’m invested in HLA, its ambassadors and the staff that keeps my home away from home feeling like, well, home. I only hope to share a piece of my home with you.

-Gabriella Nuñez

HLA Happenings

Editor’sNote

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Our Hispanic-Latino Affairs (HLA) magazine has come a long way since we first had the idea of creating a magazine back in October. With two spaces for the Hispanic-Latino population at the

University of Florida, we have so much to share with our community, and campus. We decided to add a touch of college life and expand to the Gainesville community. That wasn’t enough either, so we spread our wings to enlighten about inclusive language, and

WORDS FROM THE DIRECTORGabe Lara

“...TO SEE WHY WE ARE PROUD OF OUR CULTURE.” HLA Happenings4.

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how our familía can be a part of your daily life. Today, as new ideas begin for HLA, so does the birth of our publication. I am very pleased to present to you a new, remarkable vision, with many exclusives about OUR students, monthly news about OUR community, and updates about OUR world. We’ve got a groundbreaking concept in mind – a digital publication that has the same type of in-depth content as a print magazine. From its conception, the idea of our magazine

has been to be student driven, with student writers, student photographers, and student editors. But no matter their background they are all here to make the experience of reading Unidos en UF memorable for you. Hispanic-Latino Affairs under Multicultural & Diversity Affairs, advocates on behalf of Hispanic, Latino, Latina, and Latinx populations and offers support to the University of Florida and the Gainesville community through various programs,

“...TO SEE WHY WE ARE PROUD OF OUR CULTURE.”

resources, and networking opportunities in order to help facilitate cultural awareness, and empowerment. The Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures, also known as “La Casita,” was established in 1994 and is the first institute of its kind in the southeastern United States, focusing on the empowerment of the Hispanic-Latino community through Advocacy, Social Justice, Fellowship, and Outreach. In 2016, The Hispanic-Latino Engagement Center, also known as “La Salita” was established as a second space for the Hispanic-Latino community to enhance their experiences through Education, Leadership, Retention Initiatives, and Academic Success. Through this outlet, my goal is to bring in a broader audience to Hispanic-Latino Affairs to see for themselves why the Hispanic-Latino community is growing in Higher Education, to see why the Latinx community at the University of Florida is not a community that will back down from being heard, and to see why we are so proud of our culture.

Enjoy this issue!

Gabe Lara, M.A.Director, Hispanic-Latino AffairsUniversity of Florida

HLA Happenings

“The Latinx community at the University of Florida is not a community that will back down from being heard.”

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HLA Happenings is the section that reflects the accomplishments and programming of the University of Florida’s Hispanic-Latino Affairs. HLA, a section of UF’s Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, aims to support Hispanic-Latinx students on campus and strives to create a welcoming and educational environment through various programs and resources. With goals like cultural awareness and empowerment, the recent programming of the newly named department has reflected growth and inclusivity. HLA happenings will highlight the successes and progress of HLA. Within this section are photos recapping the most popular events, ambassador views as well as the insight and reason behind the programming. None of these events would have happened if it weren’t for the dedication of the ambassadors, and the brand new staff that MCDA has welcomed. Read about how some felt about the changes, how ideas came into fruition and how ambassadors are inspired and ready to take on the challenges to accomplish their goals and aspirations. And more importantly, read why HLA is so important today.

HLA HAPPENINGS

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Keep Community in Mind1. Dr. Rosana Resenda receives the Faculty Leader

Award at the first Annual Wise Latina Dinner.

2. Ambassador Amy Mendez kicks off the political

Race to the Boottom event in cosponsorship with UF

College Democrats and UF College Republicans.

3. Ambassadors and pro staff attend Hispanic

Association of Colleges and Universities Conference

in Miami, Fl.Adding Some Fun to the Mix4. Caridad Infante performs Flamenco during the Wise

Latina Dinner.

5. Chris Wilde educates about sexual health as they enjoy a

cooking demonstration by the Culinary Arts Student Union.

6. HLA’s display for the Dia de Los Muertos event in

cosponsorship with the Mexican-American Student

Association.

7. Melisa Lopez createsa sign for UF’s Take Back the Night.

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UF TO HAVE TWOCULTURAL SPACES FOR HISPANIC STUDENTS

Hispanic-Latino Affairs experienced a milestone event at the beginning of this year – the grand opening of the Hispanic-Latino Engagement Center in the Reitz Union. With lively music, impactful spoken word and delicious food the atmosphere was set for the unveiling of the HLEC’s timeline, the grand opening itself marked on February 17, 2016. The HLEC, or “La Salita,” is the second space that the University of Florida has dedicated to cater to the ever-growing Hispanic-Latino population at the university. The first place on university property to welcome Hispanic-Latino students was established in 1994 and is called the Institute of Hispanic-Latino

Cultures, nicknamed by its student founders, “La Casita” (little house). Now, with the addition of “La Salita,” UF is the only institution in the country with two spaces that serve the Hispanic-Latino student population.

“I think this new space is such a great opportunity for Hispanic students at UF to have another space to call their home and find resources helpful to them succeed,” Diana Delgado, president of the Association of Hispanic Alumni said. Apart from serving as a safe space for Hispanic-Latino students on campus, this space is also part of a bigger office that

houses four other areas within the Multicultural and Diversity Affairs Department. “The opening of La Salita not only welcomes the Latino population at UF but it shows inclusivity and diversity that our university promotes,” Jose

“The grand opening was a historical

moment...”-Mariana Castro

Sol Ortega

Director Gabe Lara and Program Coordinator Diana Moreno pose with the ambassador staff in front of newly unveiled time-line commemorating historical events that have occurred in the UF Hispanic-Latino community.

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Abastida, a fourth-year student majoring in political science said. The celebration was meant to also commemorate how far HLA has evolved, as well as to note the success of the Hispanic-Latino community on campus-- all of which were also noted on the wall decal that makes up the unfinished timeline. This timeline includes all of the historical and landmark occasions that the Hispanic community has accomplished throughout the years here at the university. “The grand opening was a historical moment but my favorite part was the timeline because it represents every important moment we have had at UF,” Mariana Castro, a second-year neurobiological sciences major said. Since its grand opening, La Salita has hosted a series of events geared to educate and bring students

from all parts of the UF community together. One of the major recent events hosted in the space was in remembrance of Cesar Chavez, an activist and iconic figure within the Hispanic-Latino community who fought tirelessly for workers’ rights. The event was to raise awareness about UF’s recognition of Cesar Chavez’ Day of Service. “As we expand and move forward with an opening of a new space we always want to remember where we came from and the people’s shoulders we stand on,” Diana Moreno, the HLA Program Coordinater said. “The people who built this knew we needed a space to create a space for students to feel at home. The fact that we have two spaces after so much work is admirable.”

A Historic Event1. Event planners Alexandra Rodriguez and Ralphy Lopez celebrate the end to a successful event.2. Student Body President Joselin Padron-Rasines next to her historical election mark on the timeline.3. President of the Association of Hispanic Alumni Diana Delgado reflects on HLA’s

progress and welcomes

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WISE LATINA DINNER

When I was given the task to program the Wise Latina Dinner early January with my Latina Empowerment Series team, I didn’t know where to start. This dinner would be one of Hispanic-Latino Affairs signature events for the Spring semester and I’d be lying if I was not scared at first. The expectations were high, but I was ready to take on a challenge. The origins of the event lied in Gabe’s

experience. Everything started with the appointment Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor in 2009 when our director Gabe Lara had the idea to celebrate the achievements of Latinas in our communities. Sotomayor was the first Latina to be appointed to the highest federal court, the theme of “first Latina” struck our director and it has been an ongoing in all Wise Latina celebrations since then.

Natalia Diaz

Sarai Chavarria2016 Wise

Latina Student

Dr. Rosana Resende2016 Wise

Latina Faculty

and Staff

Victoria Condor-Williams

Community Award

Recipient

HLA Happenings

WLD Team: Caridad Infante, Natalia Diaz, Genesis Ramirez, Gigi Bermudez under the guidance of Program Coordinator Diana Moreno.

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The first installment of what will become a tradition. The Wise Latina Dinner is a production of UF HLA’s Latina Empowerment Series.

The original event came from Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois and was titled the Wise Latina Brunch where Gabe had the idea to invite campus and community leaders in communion with students. He continued the legacy at his former institution Western Illinois University to celebrate the work of Latinas in the community and to invite a keynote speaker who was the first Latina in their community to break a barrier. This wasn’t the only program that the Latinas in Pursuit of Success (LIPS) and his directorship created. LIPS founded a Book Club dedicating each year a book authored by a Latina. When they hosted the Wise Latina Luncheon, they invited the author of the book as their keynote speaker. Now, at the University of Florida, Gabe has successfully brought the series back, bigger and better than ever before. Throughout the months of planning, our vision for the Wise Latina Dinner changed a myriad of times, but my team and I agreed that we wanted to commemorate local Latinas as well as those on campus for their efforts to make a positive impact in the Hispanic-Latinx community and to celebrate their enduring efforts. Thus, on March 25, 2016, Hispanic-Latino Affairs and the Latina Empowerment Series (LES) hosted the first annual Wise Latina Dinner at the University of Florida. Our celebration brought student, faculty, staff and community leaders together to celebrate three Latinas that have gone above and beyond to create a more inclusive environment for Hispanic-Latinx students and community members. During the dinner we also recognized Latinas who have made a great impact.

One of them being HLA Ambassador Sarai Chavarria. Our 2016 Wise Latina Student Award recipient is a student activist, particularly through her work in CHISPAS, a student organization that advocates for immigration rights. CHISPAS strives to create a better community for undocumented students and fight farmworkers’ labor rights.Following Chavarria, HLA wanted to recognize faculty.

The 2016 Wise Latina Faculty and Staff Award recipient, Dr. Rosana Resende, has been a Lecturer for the Center of Latin American Studies and the Director for studying abroad in Brazil. Resende is highly admired by HLA ambassadors and professional staff for her role as a mentor and advocate for Hispanic-Latinx students. And branching out into Gainesville resources, our Community

Award recipient was Victoria Condor-Williams. Condor-Williams is the president of the Gainesville’s Latina Women’s League and the director of the Latino Film Festival, a local event that brings artistic and educational films by or about Latinos and Latin America to the Gainesville community. Also in the audience was Joselin Padron-Rasines, the current Student Body President and the first Latina to be elected. As the keynote speaker she mentioned how these women have been breaking barriers through their activism and dedication, and we were so honored to host them and celebrate their achievements. Looking back at this night of celebration, I am thankful for the amazing work of the Latina Empowerment Series team and the Hispanic Latino Affairs professional team. The Wise Latina Dinner will become a signature event for our office and community, and we are extremely excited for the next ones to come.

HLA Happenings

“Our celebration brought students,

faculty, staff and community leaders together to celebrate...”-Natalia Diaz

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BIENVENIDA,A TRADITIONSol Ortega

“L a Bienvenida” (welcome) is Hispanic-Latino Affairs’ open house for the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures (La Casita) that happens every Fall and Spring semester to welcome our UF community back to campus.

La Casita was founded in 1994 by a group of undergraduate students that felt that there was a need for a safe space on campus that could cater to students of Hispanic-Latino ethnicities.

Before the establishment of La Casita, the house had been used as a fraternity house, an English Department, and an International Center. Twenty-one years later, it stands as the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures where students from all parts of the UF community come together to find their “home away from home”.

And to help others find a home on campus, the

student ambassadors of HLA come together to plan a huge open house. In this “bienvenida” food, music, games and different student organizations table throughout the premises to show students the opportunities and resources that are available within the community on campus.

“It was great seeing the diversity in the Hispanic student population,” Moy Moreno-Rivera, the HLA graduate assistant said about his first open house.

Over 200 students from all over the UF community visit the facilities and enjoy the welcoming and inviting atmosphere that is always created by this major event.

“Working as an ambassador during Bienvenida was a very rewarding experience,” Alexandra Rodriguez, a senior ambassador for special events said. “I get to see a diverse array of students come to a house that I love so much.”

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Since the arrival of Director Gabe Lara, HLA has focused on outreach and creative purposeful programming. Various programs have assisted in transparency of the operations of HLA. Team efforts have also included educational programs about health, identity and the larger roles of Hispanic-Latinos on campus and in our nation. In addition, there has been a focus on intersectionalities with programs informative of the various communities on campus. New events were created and traditional events were enhanced. Here’s a recap of some of the most popular that still haven’t been featured but still made HLA feel like family.

Race to the Bottom

Cesar Chavez Day of Service

HLA Loves You Week

HLA PROGRAMS AND EVENTS FOR 2016

HLX-Q Discussion Group

La Casita’s Birthday Party

What’s Your Slice of Pie?

Hora de Español

HLA Happenings

Graduating Ambassador Recognition

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H LA exists only because higher education is within the grasp of Hispanic-Latino/xs but they require a different support system. The University of Florida provides many opportunities for students to get involved; to grow professionally; and to gain knowledge in various realms—and they all require different resources. There is a reason as to why a community of Hispanic-Latino/xs exists on campus and it is ultimately to find a home and a place to belong amongst a crowd that may or may not understand the “Latino Struggle.” The University section of Unidos En UF strives to highlight the experiences that a Latino/x student may face in a collegiate environment. Differences can be found in financial need, culture, upbringing, experience and most definitely belonging to a small population on campus. University will also draw connections between a Latino/x student in the nation and one at UF. Community is everywhere, not just within the walls of HLA.

HLA at the University of Florida

UNIVERSITY

The Latina Empowerment Series among other ambassadors along with graduate asssistant Moy Moreno-Rivera participate in a university wide event Take Back the Night.

“We support our community and our neighbors, because at

UF somos unidos.”

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There are students that walk on college campuses that carry a different title than most: first-generation. These students carry the pressures of being the first student in their family to attend college and, in some cases, graduate from high school. Thirty percent of entering freshmen in the United States are first-generation college students, according to The New York Times blog “The Choice.” That means that over a quarter of college students could be the first person in their family to earn a college degree. “I feel that the term first-generation student is something to be proud of,” said Brenda Hernandez, third-year political science major and first-generation student at the University of Florida. This sense of pride is something that motivates students to continue educating themselves and to assist their communities. It is also this title that demeans their acceptance. “I heard the comments when I got accepted to UF,” Hernandez said.

These comments were not congratulations, but excuses or reasoning for her college acceptance. Being a student athlete playing tennis and graduating with a 3.9 GPA in high school, Hernandez feels that her status as

a first-generation student wasn’t a factor in her acceptance. “I outperformed the students at my high school,” she said. Rather bluntly too. Becoming a first-generation student is becoming more common as the baby boomers grow older. Immigrants and their children are now beginning to reap the benefits of the American Dream. Naturally, as the children of

immigrants grow up in American society, not as impoverished as their parents, they too must decide on their futures. In the United States, college is a viable option. According to the Georgetown University’s Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Charles Deacon, the number of first-generation college students leveled at 12 percent at Georgetown, the same as last year, a number which is consistent with national trends. “Colleges are recruiting harder in that population to bring more equity, and there is a lot more attention given to it,” Deacon said in The Hoya. “Kids in first-generation backgrounds are beginning to believe they have that chance.” This attention that these students receive is well deserved. Most of these students belong to a minority, at least at the University of Florida, according to Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program’s website. The statistics show that their average family income is less than a quarter of the average UF student’s. Yet, they are expected to achieve and excel much like their

University

THE FIRST OF MANYGabriella Nuñez

Being a first-generation student is not an obvious attribute for a student. Unless reported, students won’t receive financial assistance.

“Colleges are recruiting harder in that population to bring more equity, and there is a lot

more attention given to it.”

-Charles Deacon

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peers in the classroom. Often, these are the students who don’t have the potential or the mindset to continue their education, according to Hernandez. “They probably went through many other things, they all have their separate stories,” said Hernandez. “Yet, they have a passion to continue growing.” And she is living proof that a little inspiration goes a long way. As a daughter of migrant farmworkers, Hernandez hopes to not only better her life, but also to be a positive influence in the community that raised her.

“We can make a difference in our community if we just try, if we educate ourselves,” Hernandez said. Hernandez believes that this passion is what helps society grow and flourish. Maybe that’s what it means to be a first-generation student. Colleges look at a student’s status, if not they wouldn’t ask for the information. Yet, one’s minority status or first-generation status signifies potential and promise. “Admissions officers seek a diverse student body and want

to hear about the forces that have shaped a student’s life, including if you are the first in your family to attend college,” said former assistant director of admissions at Dartmouth College Dr. Michele Hernandez on “The Choice”

There is no fixed number of first-generation students, nor is there a stereotype.

They break barriers for themselves and those who will come after. Hopefully, they are the first of many to attend college in their family.

Students

with MFOS Hispanic/Latino Students Hispanic/Latino Faculty & Staff

28% 18% 16%

The University of Florida offers a unique scholarship named after former UF President Bernie Machen. The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship is offered to student scholars who reflect academic excellence and are the first in their families to attend a higher education institution. According to the MFOS website, these students often belong to lower socioeconomic families and to a minority race or ethnicity—a large portion of these students being of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. This scholarship pays for the student’s tuition. With the opportunity to earn a degree,

students often pick UF for its affordability contributing to the Hispanic-Latino/x population on campus. This population currently stands at approximately 18 percent, according to UF’s Institutional Research of 2014. Faculty and staff do not fall too far behind at 16 percent. Yet, staff includes any individual employed the UF either part-time or full-time, meaning that little skill is needed for some of the job opportunities found on campus—not necessarily career opportunities. The ethnic make up of faculty often does not reflect the diversity of the student body.

FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS

Statistics Speak

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As a queer Afro- Latino navigating the spaces of an institution that initially was not made to support me or educate people like me, is a challenge in itself. An institution that has courses that do not represent brown bodies that come from homes where the adults that raised me speak in a language that is seen as an extracurricular class, an institution whose academic scholars are teaching me about my ancestral roots without knowing about the lived experiences, an institution where I have to actively seek out places that reinforce and validate my identities. It is a tough journey to continuously go on, day to day. Growing up during my pivotal developmental moments in a rural, country, predominantly white, straight town in Florida shaped my perception of myself. I would often see myself become distant from other folks of color, and aspire to get closer to “whiteness”. Whether it waschanging my name for the purpose of assimilation, whitening my skin with skin lighteners, or having internalized conflicts influenced how I wanted to be viewed by the dominant group, andthis followed me into my college years. Coming in as a brown boy, whose hair never could be combed in neat side parts,

and whose body absorbed the sun to make the color of the soil I was never taught to love those parts of me. And this institution never showcased aspects of those in which I felt I should be proud of them. However, I feel that being the “other”, made me seek out those who were also othered. Mymoment of feeling a sense of community was when I sought out the District D Senate seat as a representative for HSA with four

other brave, resilient, aware, and committed members of thecommunity. During campaigning season, and once we found ourselves elected into the Senatechambers we always sought out each other. During senate we looked out for each other, sattogether, fed each other, and formed a sense of family. That in a sea of white folks, I could sensesolidarity within the five of us and the other people of color that also

sat in our immediatesurroundings. Those four other people taught me what it meant to fight for a voice when sooften our voices were being manipulated for us, they taught me that all nighters were worth itwhen you had company to pass the time with, they taught me that there is nothing greater thanachieving your goals with the support of your community. That sense of seeking others similar to me followed me throughout my third and fourth year of college, and as I reflect on those aspects of my college experience they were worthwhile. In Beverly Tatum’s “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together In The Cafeteria,” she talks about the racial (ethnic) identity development, and how students seek emersion into communitiesof people that your ‘otherness’ is seen as ‘normal’. Through my many experiences I have beenable to seek friends of color because I feel a sense of respect and validation. Attending a PWI is not a space where out spoken, opinionated students of color can prosper but by actively seekingspaces that support me in all of my identities, I have been able to build a community that remindsme of home and why I was born with a voice.

NAVIGATING A PWIJacof Terán

“As a queer Afro- Latino navigating the spaces of an

institution that initially was not

made to support me or educate

people like me, is a challenge in itself.”

-Jacof Tehrán

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“I OWE WHO I AM TO THE LITTLE HOUSE THAT SITS ON THE CORNER OF WEST UNIVERSITY AVENUE.”

I AM WHO I AMYareliz Mendez-Zamora

I owe who I am to the little house that sits on the corner of West University Ave. When people ask me why I care about La Casita, why that space makes my heart swell with a mix of pride and happiness, I tell them that the house and the people inside of it changed my life. In the four years that I’ve wandered through Gainesville, La Casita has been the only place where my name has been pronounced the way my mother intended it. The smell of coffee and the fact that I can have some for free, the same brand that Mami uses back home, the colors, and the music remind me of home. This was the space that ensured my success as a leader and a student at the University of Florida. When I wanted to drop during the spring semester of my second year, it was the Graduate Assistant and fellow ambassadors, who stopped me from going to the Registrar’s office and held my hand while I cried. I would have never become a leader unless the Director had taken a chance with me. As a high school student, I was involved in a limited amount of organizations, and I had no idea what business casual was. As a first year that survived an abusive relationship in high school, I knew that I wanted a different experience throughout my collegiate years. I needed to learn what it meant to truly believe in myself. So no matter how terrified I was, I applied to be an ambassador. I walked into my interview with the darkest pair of jeans I owned, my mother’s button down denim shirt, and black flats. I stuttered when I spoke from the nerves and I kept on hoping that my Miami accent wouldn’t grate on anyone’s nerves. One of my professors had already commented on the fact that I sounded different. When I got my acceptance email, I cried. Years later, after tearing apart first years during selection committees who walked into interviews without wearing what I’d come to consider business professional, I realized how lucky I was. I realized how lucky I was that the Director and Graduate Assistant decided to take a chance on a young *womxn who was scared to even look at herself in the mirror, whose resume was less than half a page long, and stuttered when she spoke. I was lucky to be trusted to create events for a community I was just learning about. I had access to a multitude of resources and someone who I could always turn to. I had people who loved me. I had people who kept me grounded and accompanied me throughout my greatest triumphs and helped me when I hit bottoms. As the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures expands and becomes the HLA and La Salita is included, I am filled with hope. Hope that La Casita continues to serve as a place of empowerment, knowledge, and advocacy. Hope that La Salita becomes a resource and center for much needed conversations. More than anything, I hope that students, faculty, staff, and administration love the places as much as I do. The greatest lesson being an ambassador ever taught me: We’re all capable of being the people we want to become. The greatest reminder being an ambassador instilled in me: be tender and advocate for your community.

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La Casita-Computer LabsThe lab contains four computers free for students to use with one additional for SG printing. La Casita also offers free printing to students limited to 10 pages a day

-Room ReservationsLa Casita offers different rooms for students and student organizations to rent out and use for events.These rooms include:Library - a medium size room with a bookcase couches, useful for holding small group meetings or socials

Conference Room - a large room with a lot of longitudinal area. It has multiple conference tables and chairs but can be cleared for space. A giant flatscreen TV is mounted on the front of the room and allows for conference presentation through HDMILiving Room - the largest room in the house provides a TV, table space for eating, and couches for socializing. This room is great for massive events.

-Scholarships and OpportunitiesA team of HLA ambassadors spent endless hours creating a scholarship booklet with a multitude of opportunities found at the house.

Hispanic-Latino Engagement Center “La Salita”Another area for Hispanic/Latinx students to hangout in the Reitz Union on the second floor. Complete with couches, tables, chairs, computers and whiteboards, this central location is a great study spot. Hispanic Student AssociationThe large ubrella organization over 13 suborganizations which include:Argentine Student Association (ArSA)Argentine Tango Club (ATC)Cuban American Student Association (CASA)Central American Latin Organization (CALOR)Dominican Student Association (DSA)

Gator Salsa ClubHispanic Communicators Association (HCA)Mexican American Student Association (MASA)Peruvian American Student Society (PASS)PorColombiaSabor LatinoUnion De Estudiantes Puertoriqueños Activos (UEPA)Venezuelan Student Association (VENSA)

ChispasChispas mission is to serve the immigrant community and provide aid for undocumented students. They serve on the local Gainesville area but aim to branch out to other sectors.

“I OWE WHO I AM TO THE LITTLE HOUSE THAT SITS ON THE CORNER OF WEST UNIVERSITY AVENUE.”

RESOURCES

On OurCampus

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The community section of Unidos en UF reflects community on campus, locally, nationally, and as a Hispanic-Latino/x community as a whole. It serves to educate about what’s around you and what you can make of it. Community serves to highlight those resources found beyond HLA as well as other places where one can find that homey feeling. Whether its downtown Gainesville or on a Spotify playlist, community can be found anywhere, if you just know where to look. Let this serve as a guide of hidden gems and new experiences, and maybe even new hobbies and passions.

COMMUNITY

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MEET DIANA MORENOSol Ortega

Diana Moreno (DEE-ana Mo-REHN-oh) has been the program coordinator of Hispanic-Latino Affairs for almost a year, and she calls it her dream job. Moreno, born in Ecuador, is an Alachua County Resident (ACR). She moved to Gainesville during 2006 as an undocumented student wanting to pur-sue a higher education. Her dream school had always been the University of Florida but be-cause of her undocumented status, she first enrolled in Santa Fe College. Af-ter three long years of hard work, ded-ication and fighting against the odds, in 2009, her dream came true when she obtained her res-idency documentation and began taking classes at the UF. “I never felt like UF was my entire life,” Moreno said. “I was lucky enough to start out outside of UF and get to be involved with different community organiza-tions.” Working with community organizations “runs through my blood,” Diana said. Her grandfather in Ec-uador was a union organizer and she learned a lot from watching him. Thus during her time in Gainesville, Diana has been involved with the Alachua County Labor Coali-tion and the Latina’s Women League of Gainesville. There she made everlasting networks that she is utilizing in HLA. While working with these organizations during her undergraduate career, Diana discovered a new part of herself and made the conscious effort to connect back to her roots and honor the Latina that was within her. That’s how she decided to pursue her master’s degree and was able to recently defend her thesis on Monday, April 4. Now that she is done working on her master’s, her new project is to start writing a book about her ex-periences as a Latina woman.

One of those experiences is when she found the passion for labor and culture and her need to marry the two - the loves that brought her to HLA. Moreno said she knew from her previous con-tact and work relationship with the past two directors of Hispanic-Latino Affairs that she wanted to do this work. Now at HLA, she hopes to be able to build a bridge be-tween the community members of Alachua County and the student population at UF. “In my time here, I have never seen anyone be so in tune with her Latinidad which has so successfully transcended through her work and passion to connect students with Latino organizations throughout Gaines-ville,” Gisselle Bermudez, a fourth year Sociology major and a two-year ambassador said. Moreno’s goal is to graduate a class of student organizers that understand the importance of a larger sense of purpose. She hopes that she can continue to inspire throughout her career. “It’s empowering to work with such a self-moti-vated individual,” Moises Moreno-Rivera, the gradu-ate assistant of HLA said about working with Moreno. “Someone that does it out of her personal will instead of a paycheck. She is here because she wants to, not because she has to.”

Diana Moreno, Program Coordinator of Hispanic-Latino Affairs relaxes in her new office in La Casita.

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AROUNDTOWN WITH DIANADiana Moreno

Having lived in Gainesville since August of 2006 (for almost a decade!) I have seen almost everything our fair city has to offer. My experience as a Santa Fe student, a University of Florida student, as well as a full-time worker has expanded my perception of Gainesville beyond that of a sleepy little city that’s home to UF. Gainesville has a spirit of its own, full of interesting history and wonderful people. From the nat-ural beauty of Paynes Prairie and surrounding Springs, to the eclectic top-notch local restaurants and music venues, Gainesville has something for everyone. Let me highlight some of my favorite spots, little local gems that are absolutely worth visiting before you graduate and move on to your next adventure: The Thomas Center, the best place to relax outdoors. The Historic Thomas Center, located in the heart of the Duckpond neighborhood, used to be an

old hotel and is now used as an office space for munici-pal business and as a venue for events such as weddings or art festivals. The Thomas Center is surrounded by beautiful open green spaces lined with Azalea bush-es and old oak trees. It is open to the public and is a popular place for outdoor yoga, picnics, and reading or meditating. This is the place I go to when I need to get away and re-center myself. It’s also a wonderful place to take someone out on a date! Bo Diddley Community Plaza - Named after legendary rock-and-roll singer and guitarist Bo Diddley, who was born in Gainesville, the recently renovated Plaza is a public space for various cultural and commu-nity events. From the “Free Fridays” concert held there during the Spring and Summer months, to the week-ly Farmer’s Market that brings the products of local artists and farmers to our community every Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm, the Bo Diddley plaza is the heart of our city.

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Gainesville has a welcoming community and

great landmarks that proves that it is much

more than just a college town.

All photos came from the respective websites.

Take a tour!

The Hippodrome Theater - The beautiful building with the tall Greek columns at the heart of downtown Gainesville is The Hippodrome Theater. If you love plays or independent films, the Hippodrome offers great local entertainment that is affordable for students. The Civic Media Center. This independent library and community space is a Gainesville gem that hosts music concerts, art shows, documentary nights (Mondays at 7pm) and much more. The CMC also holds a “Free Store” on most Saturdays which allows for needy families and community members to come by the space and pick up clothes or household items they might need for free. The CMC also serves as a meeting space for local community organizations work-ing on environmental, human rights, and racial justice issues. They have a wide variety of progressive books, magazines, and films for you to check out. This space

has fostered the growth of many social and political movements in Gainesville and continues to be a space for free thought and expression.

LOCAL EATSCrane Ramen- JapaneseYummy House- ChineseLa Pasadita- Mexican

Volta- CoffeeUppercrust- Bakery

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SOWING FAMILY INTO BUSINESSIsabella Alsina

As an 8-year-old in Puerto Rico, Madelaine Lasa loved to sew. Her grandmother guided her hands through the hems of pillowcases, showing her how to thread a needle and make a hand stitch. In her seventh-grade home economics class, she sewed her first dress. But the teacher assigned her meas-urements that were too large for her size. “It was terrible,” Madelaine said with a laugh. “I wore it for the day of the presentation and never wore it again.” The 61-year-old transformed this lifelong hobby into a career. She has been the co-owner of two stores — Greek Divine and More and Strictly Embroidery — for about 13 years with her daughter, Marlene.In June, both of the Gainesville businesses moved into one larger location at 3501 SW Second Ave. “With every move we make, the foundation of family is carried out,” said Marlene Lasa, the 33-year-old general manager. When you walk into the store, both of the names, Greek Divine and More and Strictly Embroidery, grace the entrance doors. Colorful paddles, hoodies, shirts, tote bags and license plates adorn the room.Greek Divine and More handles the retail, selling ap-parel and products for Greek-letter organizations with a focus on the Multicultural Greek Council and the Na-tional Pan-Hellenic Council. Strictly Embroidery handles the production, specializing in embroidery for not only Greek organiza-tions, but members of the Gainesville community, such as churches, schools and sporting teams.The shop has become the go-to spot for members of UF’s sororities and fraternities. In the second and third weeks of October 2015 alone, they made over 600 or-ders.They have gone from stitching a name on a sleeve to making custom designs of lions and anchors on jackets. Letters are no longer drawn and cut by hand, but made in a room full of embroidery machines.

“I’m never scared of new things,” Madelaine said. “But when I first opened the store, I was scared. I’m very proud of everything we’ve accomplished since then.”In 1981, Madelaine and her husband, Ivan, moved from Puerto Rico to Orlando. They were both college graduates; she was a dietician and he was an engineer. Despite his degree, one of his first jobs in the U.S. was changing the oil of cars in a service center.When the Lasas moved into their first home, they didn’t have other family members or furniture with them. Neighbors quickly gave them silverware, plates and a sofa.“It was not an easy thing,” Madelaine said. “But we had great neighbors, and we will always remember them for that. Once Marlene was born, everything began to fall into place.” Madelaine found a job as a dietician, where she worked for 25 years. Eventually, she wanted to pursue her other pas-sions. An advertisement in the newspaper for a part-time seamstress at Kings Crafts caught Madelaine’s eye. She took a leap and got the job. After two months of working there, she told the owners that if they ever wanted to sell the business, she would buy it. And so she did. “My mother always showed me that good things come to those who work hard and are patient for it,” Marlene said. Since then, the business was renamed. Its inven-tory, service and capabilities expanded. Marlene joined the business once she graduated from the University of Central Florida, where she juggled her communications and film studies, internships and work. Because of this, she was never a part of Greek life. Her sister, Megan, is a licensed optician and helps with the accounting of the business part-time.Greek Divine and More is the original and long-est-standing Greek store in Gainesville, Marlene said. It caters to all Greek organizations, but what sets it apart is that it has apparel readily available to purchase for

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multicultural and historically black sororities and fraternities. Because of this, Greeks from all over Florida and the south-east come to the store when they are near the area or driving through Florida. David Manjarres, a brother of Sigma Beta Rho Fra-ternity Inc., has driven an hour and a half from Jacksonville five times this year. He came to buy things he couldn’t find elsewhere, such as a 6-foot paddle he dedicated to his new member educator. Each foot represented one of the six mem-bers of his line. “I make the trip because I know I can count on them,” said Manjarres, a 20-year-old international business sopho-more from the University of North Florida. “They have things for us that other stores don’t, and I’m always happy with their work.” The customers Madelaine has met are now some of her close friends, she said. She credits a lot of their success to Marlene, who went from being a communications graduate to a business partner. The mother-daughter pair hopes to pass the business down to future generations, along with the lessons of never giving up and memories it has given them. “When I come into work, I go back to my roots as a young girl sewing,” Madelaine said. “My grandmother taught me, and I teach Marlene.”

(Left, bottom) Marlene Lasa poses with her son and famiily. Family is very important to the Lasas.ic-Latino community.

ROCK ENESPAÑOL

When you think about His-

panic Latino music, you’d probably

think of salsa, bachata and reggae-

ton but actually rock en español has

influenced the world music industry

for decades. This mix of oldie and

newbie bands and artists will make

you feel that much more connect-

ed to the Latin flare.

Mana

Mana has been one of the most influ-

ential Latin American rock bands since

the late 80s. Mana continues to influ-

ence the music industry, as well as po-

litical movements. During the 2015 Lat-

in Grammys, Mana and Los Tigres del

Norte made a call for the Hispanic Lati-

no community in the US with their “Lati-

nos unidos no voten por los racistas (Lati-

nos don’t vote for racists)” board amid

the racist and xenophobic rhetoric from

Republican presidential candidates.

Recommendations: My personal favor-

ites are “Mariposa Traicionera”, “Labios

Compartidos”, and “Vivir sin Aire”

Café Tacvba

Influenced by The Cure, The Clash, and

The Smiths, Café Tacvba began to influ-

ence the music scene in Mexico City.

They’re known for experimenting al-

ternative, punk rock and hip hop with

regional Mexican music, as bolero and

ranchera. Recommendations: One of m favorite

romantic songs is “Eres” (watch the mu-

sic video, it’s adorable too!).

Natalia Diaz

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IN SOLIDARITY

At HLA we don’t just recognize the struggles of the Hispanic community, we recognize our privilege. And we also recognize the struggles of the Latinx community; of our brothers and sisters in the brown community; those who identify as women; those of the immigrant community, and other intersectionalities that exist within the ethnicity. It is important to support one another in endeavors of greatness and to recognize the trials and triumphs that stem from them. This section highlights our efforts of solidarity within our department and the intersectionality that exists. There is experience, insight and activism within and hopefully a little inspiration comes of it.

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Name: Moisés Moreno-Rivera

Birthday: October 23, 1990

Ethnicity: Latino (Mexicano)

Major: Masters in Latin American Studies: Crime, Law, and Governance in the Americas

Dreams/Aspirations: To become an International Human Rights Attorney like Luis Moreno Ocampo and work for the

International Criminal Court.

Hobbies/Interests: I love baseball. Did I mention that I love baseball? Also, baseball is life. All jokes aside, I love baseball and soccer. I like to attend as many live sporting events. I also like to attend classical music concerts.

Favorite Quote: “History never really says goodbye. History says, ‘See you later.’” -Eduardo Galeano

Favorite Food: Tacos Al Pastor.

Favorite Country: This is a tough question. Can I just say that my favorite region is Latin America? Every culture is beautiful. I’ll just take hot sauce everywhere to adjust the foods.

Favorite Sport: Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy baseball?

What is something we do not know about you? I used to do theater in high school. I was Kenickie in Grease, and yes, I did sing Grease Lightning. Overall, I was involved in 5 productions the high school did, including the 1st play the high school ever did and a performance at the University of California, Riverside campus.

What do you like about being a Graduate Assistant: Being a grad student for HLA brings me lots of joy. I can speak Spanish when I want to and know that I will be understood. I can learn from different cultures (including the foods), I can interact with peoples from all walks of life, and I get to work with a professional staff that is extremely supportive. Additionally, I enjoy the family atmosphere that is fomented on a daily basis. HLA means family.

MEET MOY, Q&ABernda Hernandez

Moy Moreno-Rivera in his new office at La Casita. Moy is the HLA’s Graduate Assistant in charge of staff development

“History never really says goodbye. History says, ‘See you later.’” -Eduardo Galeano

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Latinx is a term that, like many folks of the community, is intersectional and aims to be as inclusive rather than using the previously standardized Latino. In the community, there are people of various races, (dis)abilities, socioeconomic status, religions, sexuality, and genders. The term Latino was set to be all inclusive of genders on the man women binary, even though it is mainly focused on the men. With more visible folks who are identifying with non binary genders and who are still part of the community Latinx is being brought up. It is an aim in inclusion and allyship to members within the community that also have intersectional identities with another gender that is not a man.

With the introduction of a new term that aims to be inclusive there has been much backlash as to people saying, “That’s an LGBTQ thing not a Hispanic thing,” or “That’s just how the language is, what are you going to do next? Change mesa to mesx?” These two counters really interest me, because Queer issues are every racial/ethnic groups issues too. There are queer folks that identify with various racial/ethnic groups and to separate a person from your community because that are not straight comes off homophobic. Trying to alienate, and other a community within your community, because your not comfortable with offering them a space within your own seems a little contradictory because of the struggles the Latinx community has overcome for

LATINXJacof Terán

Jacof Terán in the mountains of Guatemala. On this trip he came more to terms with his identity as a Latinx and brought his knowledge back to UF’s campus.

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many years. When referring to the historical root of the Spanish language, this inclusive concept is not to change every word that ends in a gendered fashion into a non-gendered word. However, it is for terms that are people identified. A table is a table, an inanimate object that is not a person; similar to if the argument was made about a dog el perro. To compare an inanimate object or animal to an individual that is non man identified is hurtful in its nature. Latinx is in reference specifically to people that are looking to find a community within their community. By being inclusive through language, then folks can potentially change standards and views of what the community is like and set the standard of what the community is.

Jacof Terán in the mountains of Guatemala. On this trip he came more to terms with his identity as a Latinx and brought his knowledge back to UF’s campus.

LATINXFACTS

1. The x is to be more inclusive to all genders and identities, including those that do not belong to the gender binary.

2. Latinx is very much a new evolved term that has gained momentum over the past four years surging in November 2015, according to Google trends.

3. Institutions of higher education such as Yale and Brooklyn College have adopted the term easing its acceptance into academia.

4. The term is more common on college campuses with students renaming organiza-tions to become more inclu-sive. i.e. Latinx Law Student Association at Seattle Univer-sity and The Chicanx Caucus at Columbia University.

4. The letter x was original-ly used for shorthand writing to escape the gender bina-ries encoded in the Spanish language as exemplified in psychology periodicals that read “lxs participantes.”

5. Latinx makes most sense to English-speakers, and of-ten excludes strict Spanish speakers wtih the inclusion of the x.

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THE FRONT SEAT OF A ROLLERCOASTER

What it means to be Latinx and queer.

What it means to be latinx and queer. It means being front seat in front of a roller coaster. It means being surprised of emotions you feel, of thoughts that come across, of personas you encounter and become. It means at times not knowing who you are. At times your identity is equally divided and at the same time united, as if it was a perfect blend of black and white to create gray. But unfortunately, it means that some days you are 70/30 or 0/100 either by choice or by force. It means not knowing how to act in many places deemed inclusive Not knowing whether you can talk to a person or even become the person you really are. It means having to at times put a persona so that others pay attention to you. Being “extra” so that the few that count will accept you. Being the opposite of you so that you are friend-ed by those you wish you were. It means many sleepless nights, where you don’t know what to feel, when to feel, or who to discuss these feelings with. It means loneliness, escape, avoidance, unac-ceptance. It means finally learning to love myself for myself; something I have realized but have yet to accept and accomplish. Over the past year alone, these are all feelings and thoughts I have stumbled upon, with one word per-fectly describing my experience: rollercoaster.

The high of course was the acceptance. The ac-ceptance of friends, friends I am lucky to call family, and family- even though this one took a while and is still in the process of being checked off. But with any high, there is a low; with this roller-coaster having an inexplicable amount of them. Finding my identity, learning what is community, and discovering myself through the communities is one of them. Throughout it, I learned acceptance and rejec-tion. I learned how even if not told one is, one can be

made felt as an outsider. I learned how identity is an intra-personal journey, not one you can fully depend on people or things to define, since they will for sure take you on their journey, not your own. I can go on and on about what I have learned and what has hap-pened. Trust me, I have lost much sleep and focus on things like this. But I might as well just write of what I hope. I hope to find myself. Who I am and what I am to do to fulfill my purpose. I hope to one day find that person who I do not to be ex-

tra for. Who I do not need to sacrifice myself for, but instead be myself with. I hope to feel accepted by those around me for who I am and not for what I do. I hope to finally love myself; because that will be the spark that will ignite my fire within.

Richard Lainez

“It means finally learning to love

myself for myself; something I have realized but have yet to accept and

accomplish.”

-Richard Lainez

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ROMMY TORRICO:ACTIVIST & ARTISTGiselle Bermudez

Hispanic-Latino Affairs and Hispanic Student Association present: Latinxs in the Arts with Rommy TorricoHispanic-Latino Affairs and the Hispanic Student Association brought to campus a queer undocumented artist Rommy Torrico who taught students that to be an activist is to be creative. HLA has a special project known a the Latina Empowerment Series, where ambassadors seek ways to celebrate Latinas and women alike. Each month the LES programs are based off of a theme and for March Latinas and Latinxs in the arts would be highlighted and celebrated. Rommy is a queer, undocumented, non-white, transgender (pronouns are they, them, and theirs) artist and activist born in Iquique, Chile. They currently reside in New Jersey. They have been involved in the (im)migrant rights struggle for several years and infuse much of their work with personal experience and the stories their community shares. Torrico is part of a grassroots initiative, the Collier County Neighborhood Stories Project, which believes in the strength their communities have and how powerful stories can really be. The Collier County Neighborhood Stories Project (CCNSP) is a Southwest Florida grassroots collective which strives to work alongside the community to uplift collective voices through education around issues that affect immigrants, families and their supporters and offer support when All art work is from rommytorrico.com.

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STOP APOLOGIZING FOR YOUR IDENTITY, FOR TAKING UP SPACE, FOR EXISTING, THERE IS A LIFE INSIDE OF US ALL WORTH NOURISHING, WORTH LIVING UNAPOLOGETICALLY.

-NAVEED KHAN

needed, while pushing back against injustices. At the event, Torrico started by sharing the push/pull factors of their parents immigration to the United States, which was mainly attributed to a dictatorship that began with a military coup that was aided by the US government. The Torrico family overstayed their visas and within six months obtained the unauthorized immigrant status. Both Torrico and their sister were on the fast track to college. Torrico is the younger sibling and during their sophomore year, their parents finally had a conversation with them about their undocumented status and what that would mean for their daughters’ futures. Both Torrico sisters were able to receive their education from the University of Florida through private funding, though they were never able to receive any public funding because of their undocumented status. Little by little, Torrico found and molded their role as a documentarian en la causa and

ROMMY TORRICO: ACTIVIST & ARTIST

PUSH AND PULL FACTORS

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realized they could support their community as well as other marginalized communities by visually sharing stories. Through art, Torrico ensured that the work done in CCNSP included an art component because of the personal need to intentionally infuse art and culture into the organizing framework from the very beginning. Torrico believes art is a powerful tool that is often overlooked or included as an afterthought, when it can really be a driving force behind the work done in movements. Essentially, Torrico creates art to tell the stories of themselves and of their communities and as a way for themselves to exist and resist. Their art centers on being undocumented, brown, queer, and transgender.

At the end of Torrico’s talk and presentation, they wanted to leave the audience with two things: Everyone is in the process of learning and unlearning and all of our stories are so important and never insignificant enough to not be told. By that, Torrico inspires the audience to understand that no one is born knowing the radical things known now, none were born with the experience. Never believe one is done learning, Torrico’s program ended with a powerful quote by a poet named Naveed Khan: “Stop apologizing for your identity, for taking up space, for existing. There is a life inside of us all worth nourishing, worth living unapologetically.”

Everyone is in the process of learning and unlearning and all of our stories are so important and never insiginificant enough to not be told.

HSA andChispas executive board posing with Rommy Torrico and HLA staff. Torrico, co-founder of Chispas thanked the cosponsors for inviting her to visit.

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MIXED SIGNALS

“Now I was the Gringo terrorista.”

-Sharif Hosein

Sharif Hosein

Growing up in South Florida it was the cool thing to be Hispanic. Miami was a cultural hub filled with people from all parts of Latin America. Being Puerto Rican meant you were naturally a good dancer. Being Pe-ruvian meant you had some of the most deli-cious dishes in the world. Being Cuban meant you spoke with a little extra enredo on your

tongue. Being Hispanic in Miami meant you belonged to the community. If it weren’t for my middle-eastern name I would’ve blended right in.

When people hear my name they usu-ally ask where I am from and to be coy I say South Florida. They tend to follow up with “No but where are your parents from?” When I was younger I would respond, “I’m Colombian but my dad is from Egypt.” My mom and dad met in the melting pot of New York. In Jackson Heights there is a large Co-lombian population, and two blocks down in Astoria, there are prominent Middle-East-ern and Greek communities. I remember when I was four or five years old I would say “I don’t eat pork,” like my father, but I loved eating my moms chicharron frito. But as I aged I adopted the “one drop rule” when it came to my Egyptian heritage. I barely acknowledged this part of me, partially be-cause I wanted to fit in with the Hispanic kids, but also because I knew that Middle Eastern kids were not as well accepted as everyone else. The terrorist, Taliban, and Sadam Hussein jokes started when I was in 3rd grade, right after 9/11. For someone like me, being teased was no big deal, I always

Director Gabe Lara congratulating fourth-year student Sharif Hosein. Hosein was awarded an HLA stole for graduation.

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just went along with them and sI’m more Hispanic than Egyptian. But

for people who can’t hide behind another culture, these hurtful words can have a seri-ous toll on their lives.

In 6th grade my family and I moved to Colombia. There are only a handful of Mid-dle-Eastern families in Colombia, and peo-ple are only exposed to them by how they are portrayed in the media. By then Islamophobia was rampant because of the un-rest in Iraq and Afghanistan. But things were different for me in Colombia. Now I couldn’t pull off being more Colombian than Egyptian, I was barely even considered Colombian at all compared to the other kids. Now I was the Gringo terrorista. But instead of letting it bother me I got acclimated. I became fluent in Pai-sa colloquialisms, I adopted the same sense of humor, I became less Egyptian and more Colombian. Unfortunately in America not every person has the option to lose their cul-ture and adopt one that isn’t as controver-sial. Many Middle-Eastern women literally wear their culture, in the form of a hijab. For these women who are teased day in and day out, about being oppressed, about being the wives of terrorists, about being Middle-East-ern, these words can make them live life fear-

ing interaction with others. Even to this day my name is associat-

ed with the negative Middle-Eastern stereo-types. My girlfriend’s family is Cuban and when they heard my name, without meeting me, they immediately jumped to conclusions. Her uncle joked saying, “you know those people are radical Katrina. They oppress women.” Katrina defended me by saying,

“no he’s Colombian, he speaks Spanish and everything.” When her family friends visit-ed they asked her for pictures of me by saying “Dejame ver el Taliban este.” I take these remarks lightly now because I am almost immune to the comments.

In a sense I feel as though I help perpetuate these stereo-types about Middle-Eastern and Muslim people. Instead

of confronting people about their ignorant comments, I joke around about them and let it slide, not realizing that millions of people do not have this privilege.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned from being culturally ambiguous is to be proud of who I am. There will always be those who name call and joke around with-out knowing the implications of what they are saying, but that it is our role to educate them about the context and consequences of their words and actions.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned from being culturally ambigu-ous is to be proud

of who I am.”

-Sharif Hosein

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SOMOS UNIDOS EN UF

1504 W. University Ave. Gainesville, FL. 32603

J. Wayne Reitz Union, Suite 2225Gainesville, FL. 32611

352-294-3563352-294-7857

ihlc.multicultural.ufl.edu

/UFHLA

@UFHLA

@UFHLA

Gabe LaraDirector

Diana MorenoProgram Coordinator

Moy Moreno-RiveraGraduate Assistant

AmbassadorsAlex Rosendo

Alexandra RodriguezAmy Mendez

Ashley RodriguezBrenda Hernandez

Caridad InfanteChristopher Wilde

Daimiris GarciaDaniela Pardo

Esteban GonzalezEstevan Torres

Fendi PerezGabriella NuñezGenesis RamirezGiancarlo TejedaGiselle Bermudez

Jacof TeránJessica GarciaJose Abastida

Kelvin DominguezMarina Bahad

Mark MontoyaMelisa Lopez

Mia HernandezNatalia DiazNatalie Jiron

Priscila BarravecchiaRichard LainezSarai ChavarriaSergio Brenes

Shannon PinzonSharif Hosein

Sol OrtegaSteven Baldizon

Susel Ramos

Valeria Torres