Student Life Blog Post #1 – Brandon Ottley

This past week during club hours i visited the Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.   The scene was flooded with flashing lights, the upbeat tempo of bachata and the smell of delicious Latin foods.  As you enter the scene you can not help but notice everyone dancing, taking pictures and genuinely enjoying themselves.  At first it seemed overwhelming due to the size of the event, however it was a very inviting environment that made me feel comfortable as I arrived and made my way through.  Growing up in a diverse community consisting of a strong Hispanic population helped me to better understand the festivities going on around me.  Having grown up in that environment allowed me to have a sense of comfort so that i did not feel awkward or out of place.  I was able to recognize many of the foods being served, and I also knew some of the songs that the DJ was playing.  The theme that the hosts were trying to display was one that was inviting and introductory into the Hispanic culture and everyday lifestyle.  The event helped me to realize just how diverse our school is and how united, connected and well represented the Latino student body actually is.  Not only was this first event inclusive, but they also informed people at some of the stations set up of the different Hispanic related clubs they could join, such as the Ecuadorian Club, Latin American Student Association and the Association for Latin American Professionals.  I was interested in the Association for LAtin American Professionals because I thought I might be able to learn about people of color like myself in the professional workplace.  I also wanted to know which other events they would be involved in during the rest of Hispanic Heritage Month.  This event really opened my eyes up to some of the many different things I can look forward to enjoying during my time here at Baruch