Student voices: Hispanic Heritage Month

We spoke with students who identify as Hispanic about their time at Fresno State, career aspirations and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. These are excerpts of their stories, in their own words.

Evelyn Arciga Reyes

Evelyn is a first-generation student, studying in the student affairs and college counseling Master’s program. She holds a Bachelor’s in sociology, and works as a graduate advisor in the Dream Success Center.

Evelyn said: Working with the undocumented student population has definitely been a challenge, but I enjoy learning every day I come to work. I have had to learn more about legal policies, but every time I meet with an undocumented student it makes me realize how much I love what I do.

My career goal is to become an advisor for undocumented students. I want to dedicate my career to helping first-generation students navigate through higher education. I want to motivate undocumented first-generation college students despite the barriers they face and make them known there is a light at the end of the tunnel despite their immigration status. I want to foster a safe environment for this student population!

Kassandra Cordova Del Valle

Kassandra is a first-generation student, pursuing a Master’s degree in K-12 school counseling with a PPS credential. She serves as a high school ambassador for Admissions and Recruitment.

Kassandra said: Hispanic Heritage Month is meaningful to me as I come from Peruvian descent. This time of year gives me a moment to reflect on my roots and the sacrifices my family members made to ensure I could pursue my education. Their hard work and dedication inspire me every day, reminding me of the strength and resilience of my culture.

Luis Felix

Luis is a first-generation student pursuing a degree in school counseling. He works on campus as an ambassador in Admissions and Recruitment.

Luis said: Hispanic Heritage Month, to me, means to be seen, to be valued, and to make an impact in our community. My fondest Fresno State Hispanic Heritage memory is last year, when I attended Feria de Educación, I was able to help others in two languages, viewing my culture present.

Paris Martinez

Paris is a graphic design student who works for the Black Student Success Initiative.

Paris said: Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot to me because my grandparents came from Mexico to give their children and future grandchildren a better life. With this, they did not get the opportunity to get their high school or college education. Knowing the sacrifices they have made in order to be here makes me work harder to pursue my goals as a Hispanic woman.

Edgar Carrillo

Edgar is a first-generation student, pursuing a degree in film and media arts. He works on campus as an assistant in the vice president’s office and as a studio audio engineer.

Edgar said: I chose Fresno State because it has a welcoming atmosphere and a strong Hispanic presence that makes me feel at home. Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot to me—the rich culture, traditions—and it’s a moment for me to reflect on my heritage and take pride in all of us in this community and all around the world. Also, we recognize the impact of what the Hispanic community has done for society as a whole.

Ruth Melchor Villanueva

Ruth is a first-generation student studying Spanish. She is a student ambassador for Outreach and Special Programs.

Ruth said: I chose to attend Fresno State because of the sense of community I felt at my first Fresno State football game. I participated at Band Day for the season of 2021 as a senior in high school and got to conduct the Bulldog Marching Band alongside four other Drum Majors, and I had never felt such joy and peace. I knew at that moment that Fresno State would make me feel at home and give me the happiness I was looking for. Without the resources Fresno State has to offer I don’t know how I would be doing today. I was going through a rough patch when I had to move out of my family’s home and there was a time when I didn’t know who I could lean on or ask for help, and Essential Needs opened their arms to me. I am so grateful for all they did for me. They not only offered me support with meals but as well as purchasing some hygiene necessities and checking up on me to make sure I was still on track with my studies. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to bounce back and be in the stable place I am today. I am so very grateful for Fresno State and their love for their students.

Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot to me because it represents who we are and shows us that we should be proud of our roots. It shows me that I matter in this world no matter the color of my skin, the language I grew up speaking, or the background of my family. This month makes me proud to be a Latina and proud to say that I am Mexican-American and there’s nothing that can change that. I have, as Hannah Montana would say, “Best of both worlds!”

by MARISA MATA

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Share your story

Do you have news you would like to share with the community? Let us know! Contact our Communications Coordinator Marisa Mata at 559.278.6560 or marisamata@csufresno.edu to get started!

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