By Annie Rochon
From Thursday, September 15th to Saturday, October 15th, we come together as a nation to celebrate the diversity of our country – more precisely the rich culture and contribution of the Americans Hispanic and Latinos citizens. At Paul Smith’s College, we are privileged to have a number of students from different Hispanic and Latino backgrounds. In Spanish class, the students were given the task of writing a short essay on the meaning of this celebration. It is a privilege to have some heritage and native speakers of the Spanish language in the regular classroom. They are a gold mine. They bring a different and refreshing perspective to the table. Today, I would like to share with you, essays from two students: Victor Pedraza Marino and Janelays Infante. ¡FELIZ MES DE LA HERENCIA HISPANA!
By Janelays Infante
I come from a Hispanic background. I was born in the United States, but both of my parents were born in Dominican Republic. They moved to the USA when they were 15, to make a living for their family.
Being Dominican is the most beautiful thing in the world. It is a blessing to be Dominicana. I love my ethnicity, my country, my family. I love the language I speak because I was born into such a wonderful, and amazing culture. Being American and Dominican is a gift that I was blessed with. The color of my skin defines me and I love being bilingual. It means everything to me that Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the USA because it’s a symbol of respect towards all Hispanic countries and people.
Over the summer I worked at a gift shop in Coney Island, Brooklyn. I met a lot of tourists that were from all over the world, but when people from Spain, Uruguay, or Argentina spoke Spanish I was thrilled because I knew that I could help them find what they were looking for. Even this one Italian guy who was so sweet, he gave me a Euro from Italy so that if I visited any time I could buy a little something. It was amazing getting to talk to other people who were from different Spanish-speaking countries.
Being Hispanic without a doubt is the greatest gift! I love being Dominicana!
My name is Janelays Infante. I am from Brooklyn, New York and I am graduating this fall with an Associates Degree in Integrative Studies with Biology/Business. I am currently looking into Universities in Seattle, WA. I love the environment and the different programs each college offers.
My passion is dancing. If I could dance for the rest of my life and travel the world while doing so, I’d be complete. Although I’ve had some bad experiences at Paul Smith’s, I know myself a little better and through this journey I have realized that I am the only person standing in my own way. For once, I am letting things go and I am much happier. I look forward to being more confident and allowing myself to take risks even if the outcome isn’t what I expect, because if I don’t struggle, I won’t succeed.
Janelays Infante
Biology
Class of 2018
By Victor Pedraza Marino
I am a culinary student here at Paul Smith’s College. It is an honor to be Puerto Rican, to be born in the prettiest island around, and to be able to speak two different languages and learn all about our heritage. I definitely miss my home country but it has been a great learning experience to be able to take part of. We have amazing music like: aguinaldo, bomba, danza, reggaetón, y salsa. La Isla de la maravilla. Viva mi bandera, viva mi nación, vivan los boricuas, que son boricuas de corazón. My family and I have never celebrated Hispanic heritage but we are proud Puerto Ricans at heart.
I was born in Puerto Rico but currently I live in Baldwinsville, NY. Before that I used to live in Old Forge, NY. When I moved to Old Forge I was 13 years old and I barely knew English; I had to listen to everyone else talk to learn. The worst part was the cold up in Old Forge. I had to walk to school every morning in the freezing cold, compared to a hot climate year around.
Halfway through my eleventh year of high school in Baldwinsville I went to Boces to study Culinary Arts. I started to like the industry. My teacher and my neighbor suggested to me that I attend Paul Smith’s so I decided to investigate more. I came for a tour and fell in love with the community and the nature. I am a two year culinary student and working hard to graduate.
My name is Victor Pedraza,
I’m a second year culinary student.
I’m from Puerto Rico.
I like to hike, snowboard, and kayak.