On September 15 I had the pleasure of attending the Hispanic Heritage Month kick off hosted by OU’s HASA. I listened to many talented speakers, learned how to salsa dance, and ate delicious food from the Hispanic culture!
Tequeños, a stick of white cheese wrapped in fried pastry dough, are a party snack common from Venezuela and Colombia. They were one of my favorite dishes from the night. Also from those countries were the delicious chicken empanadas that were so savory for a main course. Also very popular for a snack across Hispanic countries was the fried plantains, a snack I had never tried before but grew very fond of. Then for a sweet treat, I tried Duavalín. This creamy, Mexican pudding dip had all of the Neapolitan flavors and perfectly fit in the palm of my hand. I love eating Mexican food and yet I tried so many new items during this celebration. I was so happy to try foods that encompass the culture and hospitality of the Hispanic countries.
The guest speaker Mr. Juan Renteria Jr. from Jeannie Rainbolt college of education within OU. As a first generation college student, he spoke on his commitment to assisting the growth of students like himself who are first generation students. His dedication to the program and his charismatic personality showed throughout his short speech and touched the hearts of all of those in the crowd. He noted the 28% of first generation students entering the University of Oklahoma this year and how proud he is to help make higher education a possibility at achieving a higher education. His passion didn’t go unnoticed and continues to be praised with his many accolades as a teacher and community member in Norman.
I had such a great night learning from other Hispanic students and staff members about their culture and enjoying the amazing event that HASA put on!