WACO, TX — Founded in 1987, the Baylor Hispanic Association serves thousands of students. It's a place where many students get that opportunity to connect and learn about Hispanic Culture.
"We are often seen as this broad group and that's just not the reality," said Mito Diaz-Espinoza, adviser of the organization.
The Hispanic community is often identified under one umbrella but when you dig deeper, you realize the diversity is endless.
"People from Cuba and Puerto Rico have a very different origin story to the United States. My dad's side came to Texas but my great grandparents on my mom side were here when it was Mexico," said Diaz-Espinoza.
Students in HSA students learn about the rich diversity within the Hispanic community. Some students say it's where they found a home.
"As a first-generation student, it's definitely a new territory so I had no idea what was going on, I did not know where I was going or what I was going to do and that is when I found HSA and thought 'wow these are similar people to me,'" said Abraham Balderas, President of HSA.
Vice President, Leonardo Robles, agrees and says he takes great pride in learning about his own culture.
"It makes me very proud to remember these people and to have their stories be shared," said Robles.
The HSA doors are open to every interested student not just those with a Hispanic background.
"They come and learn and think wow there really are different levels and different types and different people, they are really amazed with the diversity within the culture," said Diaz-Espinoza.
Diaz-Espinoza is a proud alumnus and hopes students will continue learning about culture and heritage.
HSA had many in-person events planned for Hispanic Heritage Month but due to COVID-19, they quickly adapted to virtual settings.
