CHICO — Kristhell Guzman immigrated from Guatemala in 2019 at only 12 years old.
From middle school to high school, she and her twin sister lived through the struggles of bullying, all while learning a new language in their new home. Guzman began to isolate herself, with thoughts of self-doubt and uncertainty consuming her.
“I really thought I wasn’t going to go nowhere, because the DREAM Act gives you less money than financial aid, and I really thought I was going to have to stay, but I made it here,” Guzman said.
“Here” is Chico State, where students and staff are joining people from around the United States to celebrate and honor the history, contribution and rich culture of Hispanic and Latin American countries.
Hispanic Heritage Month began Sept. 15. During this time many Latin American countries also celebrate their independence days. September starts with Brazil’s Independence Day on Sept. 7 and the celebration kicks off with five countries’ Independence Days on Sept. 15 (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua), followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sep. 21.
As Guzman embarks on her first year in college, she still finds herself lost in a new town with new people. But she appreciates Chico State’s resource center, El Centro, for providing her with a nostalgic feeling.
Coming from a family of 12, the dynamic and vibrant center allows her to feel at home while studying. While noting that several Central American countries tend to be overlooked by the general public, she is thankful that El Centro values and celebrates every Latin American country.
“In Chico I’m feeling calm because I’m finally meeting people that are somehow related to me in El Centro,” Guzman said.
El Centro and the Cross Cultural and Leadership Center will be hosting the Latin American Independence Day Celebration on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Chico State’s Colusa Plaza. The third annual celebration will once again feature food, traditional live music and activities for students.
Impact
Contributing to the academic success and retention of students on campus has been Jamile Balli’s goal all along. She believes spaces like El Centro, and the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, are what will bring different cultures together.
“Providing spaces like this are just another touching point for students to feel welcome, connected and celebrated,” said Balli, a program coordinator for Chico State’s Student Transition and Retention Center.
Balli said anyone is welcome to be a part of the celebration, quoting an iconic Hispanic saying, “Mi casa es tu casa,” or “my house is your house.”
Since El Centro’s opening, Balli has enjoyed seeing students students enjoy themselves in a space catered for them.
Alondra Gaona, a transfer student from Butte College, once thought she would never be able to go to college, but spaces like El Centro helped her remain determined along the way.
When she first entered through the doors of El Centro, the smiles and welcoming staff are what drew her in and their inclusivity remains as one of her favorite things.
Born in Mexico and coming to the U.S. at 3 years old, she respects the admiration that people have had for Latin American countries. Gaona said celebrating cultures and having El Centro are key to building a community and encouraging other students.
“Before, I used to doubt myself a lot, and now I’m like, I got this, I can do this, I have support,” Gaona said.
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