Hispanic and Latinx students and professionals shared their experiences through panels during Hispanics and Latinos United Day Friday, Oct. 11, held by the Hispanics and Latinos United (HLU) club.

“I think that it’s always really important to share these kinds of voices, especially when they are underrepresented,” said sophomore Ariana Carbajal, a club member. 

The HLU club meets every week during Tiger to provide a space for members to share stories, celebrate culture, and have meaningful discussions about identity. 

“I think it’s really such an amazing thing for people to find a space in a majority white school where they can feel free to express themselves,” said senior Jonathan Santos, a club officer.

The day began with c-block, where English Language Learner (ELL) students discussed their unique experiences as Latinx students at North. Panelists described their struggles as first and second-generation immigrants coming to the United States.

During f-block, a panel of Hispanic and Latinx professionals spoke about their lives, discussing what it was like to grow up Hispanic and how their cultural heritage shaped their careers and identities. These speakers included real estate developer Belinda Negron and Berklee College of Music professor Martin Guas. 

“It’s so important to preserve your cultural identity, and I love learning about other people’s as well, which is why I love going to other events, like BLAC Day and To Be Glad Day,” said Santos. 

The day ended with a staff and student panel session during g-block, where more students and staff spoke about their experiences at North.

“I hope that we get to continue putting on events like these, and I think it’s really important for other students to understand each other better,” said junior Vero Schiff, a club member.