As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) John Jay understands the importance of celebrating the rich diversity and contributions of the Latinx community. And, as part of our extended coverage of Latinx Heritage Month, several ¡Adelante! students came together on October 16, for a roundtable discussion, to celebrate their identities as Latinx individuals. Diana Magdaleno ’22, Human Services and Community Justice major, said that the celebration of her Mexican identity at the College motivates her to celebrate those that came before her and create a path of success for those to come after. Ara Hubbard ’23, a Dominican student and Public Administration major, credits ¡Adelante! with providing her with the support she needs to confidently navigate college. “¡Adelante! is like a family,” Hubbard says. “If you ever need something all you have to do is ask and there will be someone there ready to extend a hand. My time in ¡Adelante! has made me feel like I stand out and am not just another face in the crowd.”

For fellow ¡Adelante! student Steven Cornejo ’23, a Sociology major who identifies as Ecuadorian, John Jay is a place where he feels empowered because of his Latinx roots. “John Jay is a diverse school and celebrates everybody, no matter what background,” he said. “When I’m walking the hallways, I feel confident knowing that I will see other students and faculty who look like me. It’s rare to find that in an institution.” And, for Dominican native Ashley Sánchez ’22, a Human Services and Community Justice major who came to the United States just four years ago, her experience at John Jay and with ¡Adelante! has provided her a home away from home. We spoke to the students to learn more about their Latinx heritage, their experience at John Jay, and why Latinx Heritage Month is important to celebrate.

What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you?

Ara: This month is about sharing our history. There are a lot of ways that the Latinx community has really helped shape our society, and not many people know about it. This is the time to invite others into our world and show them things from our point of view.

Diana:  For me, Latinx Heritage Month is a time for us to come together and show that we are powerful and empowered as a united group. In this country, we are seen as the minority and aren’t always valued or looked at as individuals who have strong capabilities. Latinx Heritage Month is a time for us to not only celebrate the many achievements of people in Latinx communities, but to continue empowering future Latinx generations.

Why is it important for John Jay to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month?

Ashley: Having John Jay celebrate this month is important for people who are like me, who are not native to this country. I’ve only been in the U.S. for four years so it’s easy to feel unwelcome. Imagine being in a class, struggling with the English language, and having to participate because it’s a huge part of your grade. It’s not easy, and there were times that I hesitated to raise my hand and speak because I was afraid that someone was going to judge my accent or the way I pronounced words. But, there are students who look like me and faculty who have accents just like I do. The College’s celebration of Latinx Heritage Month proves that I am accepted here, and helps me feel like this is my home away from home.

Steven: The Latinx community represents more than half of John Jay’s student body. And it’s a school that focuses on advocating for justice. It’s well-known that right now, the Latinx community is being targeted by this administration in Washington D.C., but having John Jay dedicate various events and activities to Latinx Heritage Month, shows that they are really standing in solidarity with the Latinx community.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about being Latinx?

Ara: My dad is white, so when I first met his side of the family, the first thing they asked was if I understood Mexican. They didn’t seem to understand that “Mexican” is not a language, and that there are other Latinx countries apart from Mexico. It’s upsetting to hear that people aren’t well educated in the Latinx culture. I’m proud to be Dominican and I won’t back down from who I am. When situations like this happen, I explain to them that the Latinx heritage is a big tree that has lots of beautiful diverse branches.

Ashley: I think the biggest misconception is that if you identify as Latinx, you speak Spanish, and that’s not always the case. I have met many Latinx individuals who strongly identify with their culture but who don’t know the language. It doesn’t make you less Latinx; it just means that you weren’t taught the language.

Have you ever been afraid of speaking Spanish in public?

Diana: Honestly, there are times when I’m afraid for my mom. She only speaks Spanish, so I don’t like when she goes outside by herself because I can’t defend her. I always tell her that if she is going to speak Spanish to make sure that I’m there because I don’t want anything to happen to her. It’s sad to think that there are people who will discriminate against you for speaking your native language, but I have hope that one day this will change.

Steven: I haven’t experienced it personally, but I always try to be with my father so that people can’t take advantage of him. He doesn’t speak English, and I know how easily people criticize people who don’t speak English. I’m always there to translate for him, and make sure that wherever he goes, he is treated with respect.

How does ¡Adelante! help you feel more confident and empowered as Latinx students?

Steven: For me, it was having that extra support and guidance. College can be a difficult experience, especially if you don’t have someone there to help you who has been in your shoes and understands the struggle. My mentor was that shoulder to lean on when I was experiencing a hard time. I’m grateful for ¡Adelante! because it’s made my college experience that much more special.

Ara: ¡Adelante! was instrumental in helping with my transition from high school to college. My parents don’t know about the CUNY system. It’s stressful to think about what college to go to and how to pay for it. I had to navigate that alone. But when I heard about ¡Adelante! and all the support that they provide, I was excited to join. I’m grateful that ¡Adelante! recognizes the challenges that Latinx students face when attending college and are there to make things easier.

What has been the most memorable moment you’ve had with the ¡Adelante! program?

Ashley: I think it was attending the ice cream social. I remember when I arrived there were many people calling my name. I’m a very social person, but I didn’t realize how many people I knew. The social was a chance to spend time with people who have similar backgrounds as mine, which is something ¡Adelante! is great with. Because of their awareness of diversity, they have made me more aware of my culture and my background. ¡Adelante! truly creates a family and it’s the best thing you can have when you don’t have your own around.

Diana: My most memorable moment was probably when my mentor texted me telling me that he wanted to nominated me for a scholarship. I didn’t win, but knowing that he thought of me out of everyone in ¡Adelante! meant a lot. He saw me as a leader, he saw my growth, and his confidence in me meant the world.

If you could give advice to another Latinx student who may be considering coming to John Jay or joining ¡Adelante! what would you tell them?

Steven: I would tell them to stay open-minded, don’t hesitate, and take the opportunities that are being offered to you. It’s easy to fly under the radar in college, but what really makes this experience memorable is the people that you meet, so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and join a program like ¡Adelante!

Ashley: I would tell them not to come into the College with fears of feeling alone. I know one of my biggest fears coming to John Jay was if I was going to make friends. When I joined ¡Adelante! I immediately found a group of friends who understood me and the experience I had been through. Be open-minded about the programs offered here and don’t hesitate to join a couple of them. You’re going to enjoy your time here and having a great group to support you makes your time at the College that much better.