As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, and in honor of Latinx Heritage Month, John Jay College is recognizing the vital contributions Latinx people have made to our country and our society through a series of events, web articles, and special features on our YouTube page. In our “Latinx Celebration” article series, we’re connecting with our Latinx students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and learning more about their experiences, identities, traditions, and hopes for the future.
Sarah Argüelles ’23, cofounder and President of the Latinx Honors Committee, was adamant about going to a college whose student body not only looked like her, but whose faculty and staff would support her along her academic journey. She found that place at John Jay, specifically in ¡Adelante! and the Honors Program. “I grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood where, as a Latina, I struggled to fit in and be understood by my teachers and peers,” explains Argüelles, a Forensic Psychology major from Long Island, New York. “John Jay appealed to me because it was an HSI [Hispanic Serving-Institution] and I knew that at the College there were supportive communities like ¡Adelante! and the Honors Program that would focus on uplifting me, helping me with my struggles, and reassuring me that as a Latina there was a place for me in this world. That to me, meant everything.” We connected with Argüelles to find out how being part of ¡Adelante! and the Honors Program has helped her feel empowered as a member of the Latinx community.
“I knew that at the College there were supportive communities like ¡Adelante! and the Honors Program that would focus on uplifting me, helping me with my struggles, and reassuring me that as a Latina there was a place for me in this world.” —Sarah Argüelles
Why is it important to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month?
It’s important to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month because it’s a chance for the Latinx community to come together, celebrate, and embrace our similarities and differences. There is so much rich culture, history, and tradition behind all our individual Latinx countries. This month-long celebration gives us a chance to not only show our beauty to the rest of the world but to also bring awareness to all of the contributions our people have made to culture in the United States. It’s also an opportunity to bring to light the impact the United States has had on our Latinx countries. Latinx Heritage Month is a month full of empowerment for Latinx people, we should celebrate all that we are and continue to speak up and advocate for the Latinx community.
Can you describe the positive impact being in ¡Adelante! and the Honors program has had on you?
Both ¡Adelante! and the Honors Program have helped me immensely. Not only during my academic journey but also in my life separate from the classroom. Through ¡Adelante! I was able to connect with Dr. Isabel Martinez who opened my eyes to the inequities in the education system, and how those inequities impact the Latinx community and people of color. It’s because of her I found my passion for research in policy reform for higher education. It was also Dr. Martinez who encouraged me to apply to the Honors Program.
Dr. Ray Patton [Faculty Director, Honors Program and Macaulay Honors Program] and the rest of the Honors Program staff have always supported my passions and ideas since day one. As a result, I cofounded and became President of the Latinx Honors Committee and conduct research with Dr. Patton on how to better the Honors Program so that it’s more inclusive, equitable, and diverse. Both Dr. Martinez and Dr. Patton share my passion for including everyone for the common good. I consider them my mentors and I’m forever grateful to them and the programs.
What are your most proud of in terms of your personal Latinx identity?
I’m proud of the food, culture, and family values. Since I was a child, my family would always get together over food and celebrate—even if there was no holiday. We would get together to make arepas and tamales. Food is very much at the center of all our gatherings. The music is also something I’m really proud of. It makes me happy to see Latinx music and artist getting more of the recognition they deserve nowadays.
“My biggest hope is that Latinx people can all come together as a community and advocate for one another.” —Sarah Argüelles
What are your biggest hopes for the future of Latinx communities?
My biggest hope is that Latinx people can all come together as a community and advocate for one another. I truly believe we are stronger when we are united. I also hope that the disparities that impact the Latinx community start to lessen and that this country learns to support and value the Latinx community.
