Dancing, Dining, and Art Take Center Stage as York College Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

For Roger, attending York College has deepened his connection to his Hispanic roots. 

“I have grown to learn a lot about my heritage, especially as a foreigner,” he says, “especially the value of different Hispanics coming together to share their favorite dances, foods, and traditions from their own culture.” 

The Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion has been a welcoming space for Roger since day one. 

“Ever since I came to the school, this has been the place that feels like home and makes me feel super comfortable,” he says.

For Teresa González-Herrera ’25, a Healthcare Administration major, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of reflection. She grew up in a large family, and holidays always have been about cherishing and appreciating the support family members receive from one another. They’re also a time for celebration, dancing, and sharing a love of Spanish and Mexican music. 

“My Mexican heritage is a profound source of pride for me, particularly during Hispanic Heritage Month,” Teresa says. “This period provides an opportunity to reflect on and honor the essence of my cultural traditions. It also serves as a reminder of the substantial contributions that Mexican Americans have made to the United States.”

A significant part of Teresa’s identity revolves around the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which also takes place in December. She and her family will travel to Doylestown, Pennsylvania, to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe at Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church. They attend Mass, present flowers, and light candles. It’s a tradition that helps her stay connected to her faith and her family. 

Not every tradition is light and joyous for Teresa. She also cherishes sharing stories of the challenges her family has faced to get where they are today. 

“Occasionally, reflecting on their hardships serves as a powerful motivation to pursue greater achievements,” she says. 

Apart from holiday traditions, Teresa likes to share her love of soccer, which is an integral part of her cultural heritage. As the goalie for the York College Women’s Soccer team, she highly values the opportunity to share her enjoyment of the sport with the York College community. 

The College’s observance of Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t just for those with Latinx backgrounds. A variety of events and activities are happening throughout the celebration on and off campus, offering students and the community opportunities to explore Hispanic culture.

“We need to have diversity to have excellence in our society,” says Alex Hernández-Siegel, Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion. “We also need to recognize everyone who helped build this nation.”

Hernández-Siegel, who is Puerto Rican, always looks forward to Hispanic Heritage Month not only to celebrate his culture but to learn about other Hispanic cultures.

“We welcome everyone’s experiences here and how they contribute to the whole of this institution,” he says. “They should bring their authentic selves here.”

Hispanic Heritage Month at York College isn’t only a celebration; it’s a time to embrace diversity and learn about cultures and traditions. For students such as Roger, Michelle, and Teresa, it’s an opportunity to reflect on their heritage and share it with others while connecting to a broader network of Latinx students who call York College a home away from home.