The celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, spanning from September 15 to October 15, is currently underway at Austin Community College District (ACC), as reported by the college's newsroom. ACC leverages this time to recognize and appreciate the history, culture, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities and their ancestors.
In line with the festivities, ACC is showcasing the stories of remarkable students and alumni with Hispanic lineage. Among them is Elisha Mac Gregor, a Psychology major planning to continue her education beyond ACC in 2025. "I feel like I can be myself and celebrate my accent, y el que no me entienda que lea los subtitles," Elisha told ACC's newsroom.
Elisha's choice of ACC was strongly influenced by her need to find a welcoming environment after moving to America from Canada in December 2022. At ACC, she has discovered a community that not only supported her academically but also helped her to smoothly integrate into American society. She celebrates her heritage daily by embodying the joy and positive energy that define Hispanic culture. Elisha emphasized that Hispanic Heritage to her means 'empoderamiento, cutura y unidad.'
Part of Elisha's success at ACC can be attributed to her involvement with the Ascender program, a resource that she says was life-changing and helped her to connect with peers and mentors who shared her cultural background. "The program not only helped me navigate college life but also connected me with mentors and peers who share similar cultural backgrounds and experiences," she related to ACC's newsroom. As for the future, Elisha is determined to continue representing her Hispanic culture with excellence, while she also celebrates her recent accolades, including Ascender Student of The Month and Volunteer of The Year for 2024.
ACC has been called to invest more in culturally relevant programs like Ascender to enhance support for Hispanic students. During this time, people are encouraged to embrace their heritage and to honor the diversity that strengthens society. Elisha herself is a living testament to the idea that embracing one's cultural roots inspires positive change and unity across communities, a message that resonates with the goals of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
