Nikol Hristova
Contributing Writer
Going away to college is rarely an effortless transition. It is natural to feel disconnected from those you care deeply about, and to miss home. Whether you are a freshman balancing on the tightrope of being away for the first time, or a senior planning your life ahead, there is one thing we all need: a community that makes us feel welcome.
It is all too common, however, to enter a room and realize no one speaks the way you do, or looks like you. There is one place, however, that aims to help students with the many symptoms of being away from home: the Hispanic Organization for Latino Awareness.
HOLA’s social chair, Emely Zelaya (C ‘29), was motivated to create a strong community at Sewanee. Many individuals think that being part of a club would be too time-consuming, which is why people are reluctant to participate. HOLA’s view is that if you go to one meeting, you are a valued member. Presence at the weekly meetings is not mandatory and everyone is welcome at any time.
“Just show up,” Zelaya said. “You don’t need to sign up and we post all of our events on CORQ, so keep an eye out for these.”
The purpose of the club centers around making everyone feel welcome, and encouraging members to give a piece of themselves and in return, receive love and acceptance.
“Hola is a safe space for people from all countries and backgrounds,” Zelaya said. “If you’ve ever felt like you don’t speak or look like others, then this place will make you feel like you belong. You will bond with other people, build relationships that last, and most importantly, share traditions and memories.”
HOLA has many events coming up soon, including the highly anticipated Dia de los Muertos service in All Saints Chapel in November. It is a beautiful ceremony where attendees are invited to remember their loved ones who have passed, and to enjoy the breath-taking flower decorations.
Hispanic Heritage Month, taking place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, will bring more fun surprises and exciting events from HOLA. All events are open-invitation, and everyone is welcome to attend. HOLA is also looking for a secretary for the organization, and information can be found via email on the recruiting process.
College can be difficult for those who miss home, or lack a sense of belonging. HOLA aims to provide that sense of belonging — the organization believes that if you are surrounded by people who have the same values, all differences become insignificant. Zelaya expressed that it is essential to bring what you love from home and share it with others.
Regina Linares (C ‘30) experienced this firsthand — she is a new member of HOLA, originally from Mexico, and found it difficult at first to speak her native language of Spanish at Sewanee. After joining HOLA, however, she found a place to share her culture and speak Spanish for the next four years. Pushing through adversity and comfort zones is something that makes HOLA so rewarding, cultivating a dedicated community. In the words of Zelaya, “you have to be the change to see change.”
Zelaya used three phrases to describe HOLA: “family,” “home away from home,” and “open doors.” To anyone who feels alone or homesick, this is a place where you can share what you love and connect with a welcoming group of people.