Estudiantes Unidos [E.U.] marks the start of an organization representing the Hispanic community within the school community. It has created an outlet for students to unite, celebrate, and educate their culture to others.
“Me and Vice-President Said, we had the idea to make this club because we saw the lack of representation for Hispanics and Latinos in our school,” President Alyssa Ramirez said. “We wanted to create an environment and a club where everyone can come together and celebrate our cultures.”
E.U. has plans to participate in soccer related activities as the season approaches.
“I’m excited for the soccer activities because I play soccer,” club member Lydia Masnica said. “I would like to compare it to what it looks like in their culture and compare it to my own experience [playing soccer].”
The club feels proud that they have been able to start up a club dedicated to Hispanic culture, and the members feel gratified now that there is a newfound community for them.
“It’s good to know that we can finally have a space for all Hispanic students, and all of our Hispanic students can come and just enjoy themselves,” Historian Leilani Ibarra said. “It’s not only for Hispanics, but just for everyone to be able to come to appreciate the culture, and just learn about our traditions and our holidays.”
Aside from the regular club activities, the club has in-progress plans to expand and share different aspects of their culture with the school.
“As of right now, we’re definitely planning a few festivals and then definitely some Hispanic snacks and things to fundraise for our club,” Ibarra said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to bring in bigger fundraisers and things for our school.”
Most of all, the members hope that people do not shy away from joining, as it is a place to commemorate and appreciate the similarities and differences of one another.
“We all praise inclusivity in our club. That’s why it’s called Estudiantes Unidos, it means united students,” Ramirez said. “We need to have united students. Anyone can join, and we encourage it.”
