By Lariza Moreno/reporter
To conclude Hispanic Heritage Month, TCC hosted its fifth annual Abrazando al Éxito “Embracing Success” celebration Oct. 14 with students from all five campuses participating.
Inspirational presentations, live music, traditional food and salsa dancing filled the evening. The event also provided booths for students to learn more about TCC’s student organizations, universities and community services.
Jacinto Ramos Jr., a community leader who works with youth on issues involving multiculturalism, community pride and building a strong cultural identity, spoke about his background as a way to inspire students.
“What I bring that I differ is that my story isn’t all bad things that happened in my life. I was that privileged kid,” he said. “I was that young man growing up in a gang war zone. I didn’t have to deal with that most of the time.”
His parents sent him to a private Catholic school. Being the son of immigrant parents, Ramos said everything he does with young people has been intentional.
“Don’t forget where you came from, and don’t forget who you are,” he said.
SE student and Organization of Latin American Students president Eduardo Hernandez asked Ramos what kept him going and motivated when life got difficult.
“A bad example is a good example,” Ramos said. “All I had to do is look at the violence and say it’s not what I wanted. Achieving a level of education, you’re going to get to do so many things in life.”
NE counselor and event coordinator Lilian Mabry said the event took months in planning.
“It’s more about celebrating the student success and celebrating student leaders,” she said. “Representative of all Hispanic leaders, it initially started as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.”
NW student and Texas Association of Mexican American College Students president Ismael Castañeda said this is his second year attending.
“What inspires me the most about attending these types of events is being able to connect more to my Hispanic culture,” he said.
“Knowing that I attend a community college that values the importance of one’s culture and character.”
NW student Sonia Remo said Ramos was her favorite part of the event.
“He’s amazing,” she said. “This is my third year attending, and I love watching them salsa live. It just keeps getting better and better each year.”
Magdalena de la Teja, NE vice president for student development services, said the name for the event came from a discussion five years ago.
“The word that came out was abrazando [embrace or hug], and you can see why because we do really feel like family,” she said.
