National Hispanic Heritage Month, meant to celebrate the independence of six different Latin American countries, falls between September and October.
Despite university programming, however, some Hispanic and Latin students said they believe they might be falling through the cracks as well.
Brian Bridges - vice provost for diversity, access, and equity - said that although Ohio University sponsors activities for all types of students, it is the students themselves who are responsible for each group's success.
We
as a campus work hard to make sure all students feel accepted and involved he said. The groups can only be as successful as the students who are engaged.
Miosotys Núñez, a second-year graduate student studying Latin American Studies, said she often feels misunderstood in Athens.
Even here I'm not sure if people understand the difference between Hispanic and Latino. There is a difference
she said.
Identifying as both a Latino and as a Hispanic, Núñez's father is from the Dominican Republic and her mother is from Puerto Rico. Núñez said her discontent with the Athens culture is rooted in the misconceptions and stereotypes about her heritage.
Around here
people don't like to hear our language spoken. They'll tell us
'You're in America
speak English
' or they'll ask us if we speak Mexican. Things like that really upset you and make you want to separate yourself from the community
Núñez said.
Luis Rejano, a first-year graduate student studying Latin American Studies and native of Spain, said he feels many Latino and Hispanic students suffer from culture shock when moving to Athens.
A lot of us come from places where we are the majority
and now we're the minority
Rejano said. It's easy to feel misunderstood.
Núñez said that although Hispanic and Latino cultures are often linked with language, each culture is distinctly different from each other.
I feel like we have an extra responsibility to be ambassadors of our culture and we shouldn't need to be
