Hispanic Culture

A SJC Rotary signature project, dedicated to Carlos Harrison, is "Shoes for Souls", providing free shoes for disadvantaged children in Tijuana.

Growing up in Claremont, California, I was immersed in a vibrant mix of Hispanic culture that shaped my childhood experiences. My classmates bore names that echoed the rich Mexican heritage of the area: Abundez, Baez, Candelas, Castro, Contreras, Donyes, Garciduenas, Gonzalez, Hermosillo, Hernandez, Herrera, Manjarrez, Martinez, Sauceda, Serna, Sevilla, and Torrez. These names weren't just a roll call; they represented families whose roots in the region often predated the formation of California itself.

Claremont, with a population of around 10,000 at that time had two basic crops - citrus and education. Our home was amidst acres and acres of orange and lemon groves. The Claremont Colleges were, and still are, a unique consortium of seven academic institutions that share common resources while enjoying the personalization of smaller colleges. Their crop was students and knowledge.

Our high school was more than an educational institution; it was a microcosm of America's potential. We didn't merely coexist; we collaborated, learned from each other, competed together, and formed friendships that transcended our diverse backgrounds. These interactions left lasting impressions and memories.

Hanging out at the Gonzalez's family home, I learned the art of cooking tortillas over an open gas burner and flipping them by hand just before they burned—a skill I still use today. I harbored a crush on Patti Sauceda, and Marty Serna was a standout athlete. My dad's favorite music was mariachi and my parents had an eight-foot-tall "tree of life" sculpture in the entryway to their home.

The influence of Latino culture extended beyond my school years. Today, in San Juan Capistrano Rotary, we see names like Aguilar, Carvacho, Galindo, Harrison, Lopez, Marano, Perez, Reyes, and Soto. Their Hispanic heritage continues to enrich our community and embodies Rotary's spirit of unity in diversity.

My personal history serves as a microcosm of the larger American experience, where diverse cultures come together to create communities that are richer and more vibrant for their differences. Cultural diversity, when embraced, leads to personal growth, expanded perspectives, and a more interconnected society.