Cabrillo College celebrated a thrilling Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Week, bringing together students for a series of events in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. With a variety of events ranging from mural unveilings to hands-on workshops, students united to honor their heritage and encourage a sense of belonging.
The festivities kicked off on Monday, Sept. 9, with the reveal of a mural at the Aptos campus, accompanied by a cultural performance by the Cabrillo Mariachi. This event set a festive tone for the week, showing the rich cultural heritage that unites the Cabrillo community. Dr. Blanca Baltazar, a Cabrillo graduate and member of the HSI leadership team, expressed her excitement.
“I was very impressed with the STEM event… It involved many different departments and showcased student work, allowing community members to engage and see what students are doing,” Dr. Baltazar said.
On the second day of the event, it was all about hands-on learning as students enjoyed coffee and pastries while creating piñatas. This workshop not only taught participants the art of piñata making but also highlighted its cultural significance.
Dr. Devin Walker, the director of equity and student success and a member of the HSI team, said, “Piñata making was the highlight for me. It was interesting to learn about its history and to see so many students actively participating and enjoying themselves.”
Midweek brought even more excitement with the unveiling of a new lab and mural at the Watsonville campus. The event featured a panel of alumni who shared their journeys and experiences, inspiring current students to envision their own futures.
Dr. Baltazar reflected on the importance of this connection.
“As I graduated from Cabrillo, seeing students involved reminded me of when I was a student here,” she said. “I hope this week inspired students to connect with other adults and peers so that when things get rough, they know they can count on somebody,”
Later in the week, the event featured a vibrant Latino Poetry Night, where students took the stage to share their voices and stories. This creative outlet allowed participants to connect with one another in a meaningful way through storytelling, further emphasizing the theme of community.
The week concluded with the Latino Role Models Conference, which brought together Latino professionals and educators. This event highlighted the importance of mentorship and representation, inspiring students to pursue their dreams.
“The purpose of HSI week is to showcase Cabrillo’s values to students and communities,” Dr. Walker explained, contributing to the idea that every student should feel welcome and valued.
