Excitement filled Rotunda Hall on Oct. 10 as the lively sounds of mariachi music echoed through the air. Dressed in striking charro suits, the musicians took center stage at Mercy University’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
Hispanic Heritage Month, established in 1968, began as a week-long celebration and has grown into a month dedicated to honoring the rich cultural contributions.
“Mercy is a Hispanic-serving institution, and we wanted to honor that part of our community’s identity,” explained Carol Rothenberger, a Campus Life Specialist at Mercy University.
As one of the largest private Hispanic-serving institutions within a thousand miles, Mercy is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where Latino students thrive.
Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college, embodying the resilience and determination that Mercy celebrates.
Luis Mejia, a 21-year-old student at Mercy University, has thrived academically and socially. He actively engages in campus life and contributes to the university community. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Mejia’s family decided to move to the United States for a better life and a brighter future.
“They fought for a dream,” he recalls, a mix of gratitude and determination in his voice. “Their sacrifices pushed me to excel academically and immerse myself in everything Mercy offers.”
However, moving to the United States presented a new set of challenges that would test his resilience. “Living in New York, surrounded by diverse cultures, opened my eyes. It’s essential to embrace our differences while recognizing our commonalities,” Mejia shares.
Adapting to a new language and culture was a struggle for Mejia, especially during his early days in the U.S.
“I remember feeling insecure when speaking English,” he recalled.
Despite the insecurities that once shadowed him, Mejia refused to let them dictate his path. There were hard days, but each struggle became a challenge, a testament to the belief that practice makes the master.
Today, Mejia is more than just a student at Mercy University; he’s an integral part of the community. As an orientation leader and Residential Life assistant, he helps guide new students, sharing his experiences and fostering a sense of belonging.
“I want to show others that we can succeed, no matter where we come from,” he says passionately. “Our culture is our strength, and embracing it can open doors.”
Mejia’s journey is proof of resilience and the power of getting involved. He never let it hold him back, even when he struggled to express himself. “I wanted to step out of my comfort zone,” Mejia explains, noting how his fear of speaking pushed him to apply for public speaking roles.
What was once his most significant insecurity has become one of his biggest strengths. “Accents are the greatest asset you can have,” he says proudly.
With each step forward, Mejia achieves his dreams and lights the path for others, proving that anything is possible when you embrace who you are and where you come from.
The challenge now lies in how Mejia can stay connected to his Dominican roots without losing himself. How can he honor where he came from while embracing where he’s going?
Through organizations like the Latin American Student Association, Mejia actively participates and helps his community, encouraging others to embrace their cultural identities.
He believes that by celebrating his heritage on campus, he can bridge the gap between his past and future, proving that success doesn’t require complete assimilation—it thrives on authenticity.
After spending so much time away from the Dominican Republic, Mejia sometimes feels lost when he returns. Yet, he’s realized that he hasn’t lost himself—he’s blended two worlds.
Mejia recognizes how Mercy has supported his community and hopes they continue to foster this connection in the future.
The recent Hispanic Heritage celebration featured vibrant mariachi and salsa bands, along with traditional Hispanic foods, to honor and celebrate the diversity on campus.
Among the performers, one group particularly stood out. “This year went wonderfully,” Rothenberger remarks, referring to the mariachi band that captivated the audience with their spirited performance of traditional Latin songs.
This group of mariachi musicians not only brought joy to the celebration but also embodied the stories of countless immigrants.
Originally from Mexico, they immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities for themselves and their families, a journey they simply described as “a buscar trabajo” (seeking work). Out of respect, their names remain undisclosed, but their presence speaks volumes.
Their journey, like Mejia’s, highlights the diverse experiences of Hispanic immigrants in the U.S.
While some, like Mejia, blend into their new surroundings, others, like the mariachis, hold steadfastly to their traditions.
Either way, their stories showcase the strength and resilience of the Hispanic community.
The mariachi band’s spirited performance not only filled Mercy University with joy but also fortified the bonds of the Hispanic community on campus.
As the last music notes resonated through the hall, the celebration drew to a close, leaving a profound reminder of the vibrant cultures that enrich Mercy.
By continually nurturing its Hispanic community, Mercy serves as a sanctuary of belonging and authenticity, inspiring future generations to embrace their unique stories and proudly celebrate their heritage.
In this spirit of unity, the university stands as a testament to the power of diversity, inviting all to join in the collective journey of growth and understanding.
