HOLA Club's Impact on the Hofstra Community by Ariadne Morales

The HOLA club (Hofstra’s Organization of Latin Americans) at Hofstra University has had a major impact on many students for years. This organization has been the one to help me the most throughout my young college career. As a young latina woman who studies sports journalism, which is a male dominated area, I feel that the HOLA club has become a safe space for myself where I can feel accepted. In many of my extra curricular activities and classes that revolve around sports journalism, I am usually one of the few girls out of all white male students. Being in a room and being the only woman or person of color can sometimes feel a bit intimidating, however, organizations such as the HOLA club can make those experiences better when having someone to talk to and relate to.

In many cases, there are situations where students feel they don't fit in. It is important for students to have a place on campus where there is a sense of belonging for them. The HOLA club embraces all types of Latin American culture. I am personally from both Bolivia and Chile. Usually when I tell people where I am from, they tell me I am the first person they have met who is Bolivian. Having the Bolivian and Chilean flag on the HOLA club poster makes me feel included and happy that they encompass all Latin American countries. The HOLA club also serves its purpose by educating Latin Americans and other students about customs and traditions. Recently the HOLA club began their first annual soccer tournament. Being a participant, I made lots of friends and really enjoyed learning about everyone's different backgrounds. What makes the HOLA club special, is that it encourages everyone to attend events and meetings. At the tournament, there were none latin american students who I spoke with that were able to learn about my ethnicity.

A crucial way for students to feel welcome on campus is through representation in college clubs, groups, and organizations dedicated to cultural awareness and professional development. This makes it easier for Hispanic students to connect and build a community with others. Some of the events include the HOLA family dinner, educational movie nights, virtual game nights, flower pot painting, scavenger hunts, and latin dancing. One event in particular was called “Coming Together” which was meant to share your experience and talk about cultural misconceptions, different experiences, and concerns regarding the Hispanic and international students in the U.S.

The NAACP Hofstra Chapter collaborated with the HOLA club in an event called “Examining Afro-Latino Communities,” on Sep 23, 2021. There, a viewing of the documentary, “On Our Land: Being Garifuna in Honduras” was held along with a trivia at the end to obtain a chance of winning a NAACP Hofstra Chapter merchandise. This event was a great way for students from both organizations to meet and share ideas for the future, along with discussing important issues and topics.

Of everything this club has to offer, sometimes just being around students who look like myself and speak the same language that I do and that my forefathers have spoken for generations, make me feel somewhat at home. Simple conversations have sparked relationships and bonds that may not have come about without this club and organizations like it. Hofstra’s multicultural organizations include the Black Student Union, the Caribbean Student Association, Queer/ Trans People of Color Coalition, the South Asian Students Assocation and more. Students of color may be the minority at Hofstra, but there will always be a place to gather with people that want to spend time with each other and learn more about their own culture and community.

Ariadne Morales is from Long Island, New York. She currently a sophomore majoring in journalism/rhetoric and minoring in Spanish. She serves as a Student Fellow at the Center for "Race," Culture and Social Justice. Her dream is to one day become a sports reporter.