Hispanic Heritage Month

 

I came to Hawken as a freshman. Toward the beginning of my time here, in Humanities 9, we developed our own identity wheel and categorized different pieces of ourselves within it, and then talked to others to understand the different pieces of their wheels. That experience is representative of many similar later experiences; the various opportunities at school that have pushed me to be a more understanding, inclusive, and equitable person.  

 

A year prior to coming to Hawken, I had struggled as a student, even failing a class and occasionally getting into altercations with teachers and students. As a freshman in a new environment with new people, I had the opportunity to restart. The feeling of having a different cultural, environmental, and personal background from many of my peers was a challenge at times. But, as a result of being able to reintroduce myself, I began the process of creating a new model for myself of what type of student - and person - I could be. 

 

The Hispanic Affinity Group was instrumental in that process. It helped me connect with my own cultural background which, for a variety of reasons, like going to predominantly white schools and knowing only a handful of Hispanics, I had failed to immerse myself in. Simply attending the meetings helped me find a stronger sense of self.

 

Starting in my 10th grade year, at first, I was doubtful of how many people would show up and what degree of success the group would have. Being a new group, there was a lot to work out, and we had to establish what our meetings would look like. I also only knew maybe two or three Hispanic students who might show up. I was a little surprised to find a familiar community, make a handful of good friends, and reflect on and understand my own context and its implications on my life.

 

Later I was asked to be a co-leader of the group with Gaby Montero, and we led our group with the support of Ms. Mihalski. Soon after, Yerko Sepúlveda joined our team. 

 

Throughout high school, I’ve seen an increasing number of resources, time, and dedication to making Hawken more diverse. Consequently, the impact of this work shows up in my day-to-day life as a student: I see more Hispanic faculty, the increasing representation of Hispanics, and even spontaneous things like hearing people speak Spanish in the halls or seeing Yerko drink mate, a traditional South American tea, makes school feel homelike.