Fowler Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
From Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, the U.S. observes National Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate and honor the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans.
Some of the students at the Fowler College of Business at San Diego State University have shared their ideals on their experiences at SDSU and how they choose to celebrate their Hispanic heritage.
Gala Bautista
Senior
International Business*
*International business is a joint program with SDSU’s College of Arts and Letters
Q. What concerns do you have (or opportunities do you see) that are unique to SDSU’s Hispanic students? And to future Hispanic business professionals?
A. Something I've enjoyed seeing at SDSU is the growth of our representation in the university. The murals in the Latinx Resource Center are beautiful and I feel honored that my community is being represented at SDSU especially since it is becoming the most beautiful part of the library now. The murals don't feel tacky but are authentic to the Mexican American experience which is something this school should be proud of. As for opportunities, joining HBSA is a great opportunity for any Hispanic student, not just business majors. Our goal at HBSA is to provide our members with opportunities for personal and professional growth by lifting each other up and having each other's back como familia. We also connect with companies and business professionals here in SD!Q. How do you and your family celebrate your Hispanic heritage?
A. My family and I find ways to celebrate our heritage every day, whether it's listening to cumbias en la mañana or celebrating the day of Mexico's independence, which is September 16. Honoring my culture to me is being my most authentic Mexican American self.
Azareel Canizales
Senior
Management/Human Resources
Q. What concerns do you have (or opportunities do you see) that are unique to SDSU’s Hispanic students? And to future Hispanic business professionals?
A. SDSU is a great campus for individuals from all backgrounds because it has such a diverse student population. There is a large presence of Latino students here and I think there are plenty of opportunities for students to join on-campus organizations, be it professional, service or recreational organizations. I think there can always be improvement towards having students take advantage of the vast number of resources, though not all students take advantage of them. Some of that is on the student, and some of it stems from the lack of accessibility and sense of welcoming for students from all backgrounds. Fortunately, there are efforts from organizations like the Hispanic Serving Institution Advisory Board which I am a part of. We along with other groups like the Latinx Student Union, M.E.Ch.A, EOP, Rotaract, along with many others, strive to improve the quality of the student experience at SDSU.Q. How do you and your family celebrate your Hispanic heritage?
A. My family celebrates our heritage everyday by being proud of who we are and the hard work we’ve put in to get ahead in life. I am so proud of my parents and my family for all of the efforts they do to help us succeed and I know they are proud of me and my siblings. Thanks to them I am the first in my family to go to college and as I approach the finish line, my brother, Samali, begins his journey at Cal State Los Angeles as the second in our family to pursue a higher education.VIDEO Q. Why is it important for Americans to recognize and celebrate our nation’s Hispanic Heritage?
Luis Carrillo
Junior
Accounting
Q. What concerns do you have (or opportunities do you see) that are unique to SDSU’s Hispanic students? And to future Hispanic business professionals?
A. I’ve recently seen the Hispanic students rising up to the plate. While there are many resources on campus to help everyone succeed, I’m seeing more Latino student organizations for several majors on the rise, and I’m glad to see this happening. I am a proud first-generation college student, and I am grateful for everyone who has helped me throughout my journey. It is up to the student to grasp available opportunities and go as far as they can go with them.Q. How do you and your family celebrate your Hispanic heritage?
A. I celebrate my Mexican heritage every day in some way or another. I recently moved to San Diego by myself while my family is living in Mexico. For more than 20 years, I lived in Mexico and crossed the border every day to go to school, but it was a responsibility I had to take on by myself. I’ve taken all the hard-work qualities that Mexicans have and channeled them into my schoolwork and class projects to show how dedicated I am to my education.VIDEO Q. Why is it important for Americans to recognize and celebrate our nation’s Hispanic Heritage?
Brian Martinez
Sophomore
Finance
Q. What concerns do you have (or opportunities do you see) that are unique to SDSU’s Hispanic students? And to future Hispanic business professionals?
A. As a Hispanic student pursuing a career in high finance, I’ve noticed there are relatively few professionals working in investment management that come from a Hispanic background. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hispanics account for 8% of the workforce in the financial industry. Investment management is one of the most reputable fields in the finance industry with a bright outlook according to USBLS.
Industry diversity is important because people from different backgrounds can come together to provide different perspectives with unique solutions to varying financial conditions. Finance is a great field for Hispanics to pursue a career in since it can result in a very rewarding and fulfilling career.
Q. How do you and your family celebrate your Hispanic heritage?
A. My family and I celebrate Hispanic heritage month by bringing the entire family together for a potluck with different Mexican dishes. We enjoy the food and talk about our relatives that came before us since we like to remember them and honor their memory.
Isabella Murillo
Sophomore
Management
Q. What concerns do you have (or opportunities do you see) that are unique to SDSU’s Hispanic students? And to future Hispanic business professionals?
A. Living in San Diego gives us a tremendous advantage: It is close to Mexico and makes it easier to find others with a similar background and mentality as you. Being in such a culturally diverse city allows you to embrace your individuality and find others with similar traits, while learning about other characteristics that may differ from yours.Q. How do you and your family celebrate your Hispanic heritage?
A. My family and I have always been very closely tied to our Hispanic roots, from things as big as celebrating holidays like Día De Los Muertos, to things as little as having get-togethers filled with family recipes and old music. We are very close to our relatives and since a majority of them speak only Spanish, it keeps us that much more in touch with our roots.VIDEO Q. Why is it important for Americans to recognize and celebrate our nation’s Hispanic Heritage?
