Students blog

I grew up in a low-income community primarily made up of Hispanic residents. When I first moved into college, I felt like a stranger in a new world. I attend the University of California, Irvine, which has a diverse student body, with 27% of students identifying as Latinx. Despite this, I often felt out of place, as though I didn’t fully belong here, as I wasn't surrounded by that Latinx community I was so used to.

The unfamiliarity of my surroundings and the limited representation of my culture initially left me questioning if this was the right place for me. But as I navigated the challenges of being a freshman, I slowly discovered that these feelings of exclusion were actually opportunities for growth. The experience of standing out in a predominantly non-Latinx environment made me more aware of my cultural roots and pushed me to embrace my identity even more fiercely.

To make my freshman self feel more “at home” I joined school clubs that had backgrounds with Hispanic students. A club I joined my freshmen year that changed my perspective was “Hermanas Unidas de UCI” which was a club that was a club for Hispanic women to connect with each other and help each other academically. This club helped me find a more Hispanic community at school and made me feel more at home all the while being academic.

Being part of this club helped me recognize I'm not alone in this academic journey and it made me all the prouder knowing I made it out of my community and became part of the 27%. Recognizing myself as part of this percentage of Latinos made me realize I should be proud of my background and where I come from because not everyone is Hispanic and has the same history as me; something I used to be ashamed of I became proud of.

Now in my junior year, I can confidently say that I not only love my school, but I feel like I truly belong here. The journey has allowed me to build a deeper connection to my heritage and taught me to celebrate the uniqueness that I bring to the community. I’m writing this blog to help those who might be feeling the same way I did two years ago—overwhelmed, out of place, and unsure if they belong. I hope to show that it’s possible to embrace who you are, reconnect with your roots, and find a sense of belonging, even in spaces where you feel different.

If you're struggling to find your place, know that you’re not alone. Your culture is a strength, not a barrier, and college can be an incredible opportunity to grow closer to your heritage and share it with others.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Imagine a festive Mexican tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away with colorful celebrations and intricate altars. That's the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos. This day is celebrated over multi-day period at the beginning of November. This Mexican tradition happily celebrates life while honoring those who have passed away. Mexican families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drinks, and celebration.

The History

The Day of the Dead is believed to be a bridge between the spiritual realm and the real world, intertwining them together. During this brief period that this bridge is open, it is believed that the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living world to celebrate life with their loved ones by feasting, drinking, dancing, and playing music with their loved ones by their gravesites or at ofrendas, altars set up in homes to welcome home the souls of the dead. Ofrendas can be decorated with candles and bright marigolds called cempasuchils. The living family members treat the deceased as honored guests in their celebrations of life.

Portrayal in Movies

Have you ever seen the Disney Pixar movie “Coco"? It wonderfully depicts how lovely the tradition of the Day of the Dead can be. Sometimes this tradition is depicted as merely a holiday, but it holds a special place in my heart. I proudly embrace my Mexican heritage. Even though I wasn't born in Mexico; my parents were.

What it Means to Me

As Mexican-Americans, we acknowledge that our experiences differ from those of Mexicans living in Mexico. Nevertheless, we make sincere efforts to connect with our heritage. One significant way I do this is by celebrating the Day of the Dead, a tradition that not everyone in my culture observes, making it unique to our Mexican-American identity. To me, the Day of the Dead serves as a reminder that our loved ones are deserving of celebration, whether they are still with us or not. The Day of the Dead isn't just a special occasion for me; it's a beautiful tradition and illustration of the lasting connections that tie us to our history, our ancestors, and our origins.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!