To some at Columbus North, representation growing up was never a problem. To others, however, that representation wasn’t always a given.
That is one of the reasons why some believe that Hispanic Heritage month is an important time to represent, respect and honor those of Hispanic heritage. Senior Carlos Fabian shares how he feels about being able to have Hispanic Heritage month.
“It was last year when I realized there was a Hispanic Heritage month,” Fabian said. “It felt pretty nice to know that people recognized that there is one month where they recognize my heritage.”
Junior Nayeli Felipe shares similar thoughts regarding having a month dedicated to Hispanic Heritage.
“It’s kind of fun because you can learn what they wear and what it’s like in different cultures,” Felipe said. “From here in the United States it’s different from what they wear in Guatemala. Like over there [in Guatemala] they wear different types of shoes.”
Fabian did not initially realize there was a Hispanic Heritage month, but he always tried to celebrate around that time anyways due to Mexico’s Independence Day.
“I didn’t really know about it, but I always try to have a little celebration around this month with my friends just because you have Sept. 16 [Día de Independencia],” Fabian said. “I just really liked to have a reunion and share a piece of my culture with my friends. I think it’s really nice for them to know a little more about me.”

Sophomore Carlota Gonzalez has some traditions in her family she partakes in outside of Hispanic Heritage month.
“We do a lot [of traditions within my family], but one of them is to eat 12 grapes on the night of the new year,” Gonzalez said. “There are 12 because the year has 12 months. This is done to have 12 months of good luck and prosperity.”
Fabian grew up in Mexico and lived there for 14 years. Due to this, he never had many problems regarding being made fun of for his culture growing up, however after he moved he has struggled with that. Since he grew up in Mexico, this fortunately never really affected him.
“I feel like some people have definitely tried to make fun of my culture before,” Fabian said. “Growing up in Mexico helped me have a strong base on who I am and what I am.”
Not all students have the opportunity to learn about every culture and heritage there is around the world. Due to this, Fabian explains how students can become more educated regarding Hispanic heritage.
“There is a lot more diversity than they could think,” Fabian said. “I still get impressed by how many things there are. I think they should actually just try new things and if they have a chance, actually go to as much of a traditional space as they can where they can celebrate any kind of heritage, tradition or anything.”