“Mas alla a Fronteras” — this was the foundation of the convocation on Wednesday morning honoring Hispanic Heritage: “Beyond Borders.” Different from last year’s celebration of arts and cultures, the chapel was alive with a different kind of emotion.
10 Hispanic students told stories inspired by the theme, which Cristobal Garza Gonzalez, associate professor of Spanish and LSU advisor, explained as “honoring parents and their journeys of immigration, and how their stories of sacrifices and resilience make our community possible.”Angelica Garcia-Ponce, a junior social work major and LSU leader, explained this year’s focus, saying
“We are tired of our community being portrayed as criminals. We are tired of being made to feel as if who we are is an embarrassment. We are proud of our roots, and we will continue to be a voice for our parents and other immigrants,” Garcia-Ponce said.
To kick off the sharing time, Ashley Garcia Coto, a senior biochemistry major representing Honduras, explained what the reality is for many immigrant families today.
“It’s the difference between safety and uncertainty, between being seen as a human and treated as a problem.”
In conclusion, she said to other first generation Hispanic students, “The greatest act of protest is earning our degrees. We step into rooms our parents only dreamed of, proving what the children of ‘dangerous illegals’ are capable of. Our resilience comes from our upbringing, and every step forward honors the sacrifices made for us.”
Sara Olayo-Evangelista, a junior molecular biology and biochemistry major representing Mexico, said, “How can we call this ‘the land of the free’ when freedom is only offered to some?”
Reflecting on the theme of the stories of immigrant parents, Olayo-Evangelista said “My parents didn’t risk everything for me to live in a world where fear decides how we live our lives. They came so I could dream freely and speak up for justice—not just for my family, but for everyone treated unfairly. This isn’t just my story, it’s the story of millions of families whose voices deserve to be heard.”
She drew to a close with a personal promise: “I will always use my voice to stand up for ‘my people’— ‘mi gente’— because silence has never brought change.”
Bryan Sixtos-Armas, a sophomore elementary education representing Mexico, shared the emotional story of his grandmother from her perspective, including a miracle she recalls from her time crossing the border. Her faith was a critical part of her own migration story: “I asked for help with all my heart; it could be a coincidence, a miracle, but for me it was a miracle. I’m giving this testimony because thanks to that, my son, my daughter-in-law, and I crossed the border.”
Fernando Daza-Jabian, a senior business and peace, justice, and conflict studies major and LSU leader, gave an emotional tribute to his mother, emphasizing all that she was forced to leave behind for the sake of him and his siblings.
“Today I honor her, and through her, I honor all immigrant parents who gave everything they had (their work, their families, their dreams) so that we could have the opportunities they never had,” Daza-Jabian said.
Mafe Aguilar Vargas, a junior graphic design major and voces fuentes leader, shared a powerful criticism of current immigration and deportation policies: “In the U.S., about 20% of immigrants are white, yet they are not the ones being targeted, so when was this ever about arresting criminals?”
Beyond that, she also challenged everyone present at the convocation to consider why they are standing up, or not: “Just because it’s not affecting you, it doesn’t mean that we should ignore it. This is not only about politics, it’s about humanity, empathy, compassion and so much more. So why are we ignoring it?”
Garcia-Ponce took seriously the call to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage: “I am a proud daughter of an immigrant, and I will never be ashamed of that.”
“My mom and the people in my community are not criminals. They come to this country to work and give their children a better life,” she said.
Luisa Malaver, a junior social work major representing Colombia, expressed that immigrants do not flee their countries because they want to, they do so because they must.
“Behind every immigrant, there is a story of struggle. Behind every immigrant, there is pain and hope. And behind every immigrant, there is a courage that many cannot even imagine,” Malaver said.
T Rodriguez, a fifth year nursing major and LSU leader, also shared the flipside of the hardships that his family endured — the success that immigrants bring to communities and find for themselves.
“My dad is as good as anyone else; he didn’t cheat or lie to get what he got. He worked hard. He got his American dream. A rich life isn’t about the money, it’s about being loved, taken care of, having people that got your back, and working through your troubles together. Seeing differences but understanding, having peace,” Rodriguez said.
In closing, Citlali Hernandez, a senior biochemistry major representing ___, and Jonathan Nunez Soto, a senior biochemistry major representing ___, concluded the gathering with their final words.
“Our families carry journeys marked by sacrifice and strength, and it is through their struggles and triumphs that we are able to stand where we are now,” Hernandez said.
Nunez Soto continued, “Let today serve as a call to action, one that reminds us to keep building spaces where our voices, our cultures, and our families are seen, valued, and celebrated.”
