Leandra Lepp
News and Features Editor
LASO (Latin American Student Organization) aims to foster a sense of community among OBU students, particularly among the small population of Latin Americans on campus.
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Alexis Ruiz, a senior political science major, offers a glimpse into her experience as a Latina woman.
Hispanic Heritage Month commences on September 15th, which holds significance as the day several Latin American countries attained their independence.
Throughout September, Latino individuals celebrate their culture by engaging in various activities such as crafting, cooking traditional dishes and dancing.
Alexis Ruiz, a fourth generation Mexican American from Altus, Oklahoma, has been actively involved in campus life.
As president of LASO and a member of Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, Student Government Association (SGA), Kappa Phi Beta, Camous Activities Board and Mortar Board, she embraces this month as an opportunity to honor her Latino community and deepen her understanding of diverse cultures.
By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on campus, Ruiz said she believes it will enlighten others about their values and traditions, hoping they will develop a greater appreciation for the culture.
While her family identifies as Mexican Americans, Ruiz recognizes that being several generations removed from their ancestral homeland challenges preserving cultural ties.
However, she finds solace in expressing her cultural heritage through food and music, remarking that her grandmother’s tamales and barbacoa hold a special place in her heart.
“My grandma makes the best tamales in the world and even better barbacoa,” Ruiz said.
“Food is a wonderful way to connect with your culture even when you feel so out of touch with it.”
For Ruiz, sharing food, enjoying Latin music and dancing is an enjoyable means of connecting with her culture and introducing it to others who may not have experienced it firsthand.
“I take this month to admire all my Latino brothers and sisters by appreciating their cultures and trying to learn more about them. Celebrating this month on campus is important to show those who do not know anything about our culture what is important to us and hope that they gain an appreciation of it,” Ruiz said.
Yet, being light-complexioned, she has encountered skepticism regarding her Mexican heritage, facing remarks that she is not “Mexican enough” due to her appearance.
This exclusionary attitude, leading to a sense of difference, causes discomfort and hinders a sense of belonging.
During her time at OBU and through the establishment of LASO, Ruiz finally found a supportive community independent of her physical appearance.
“I finally started having some positivity about being Latina when LASO was formed in college,” Ruiz said.
“I felt like I was a part of my culture, and the people accepted me regardless of how light my skin was,”
LASO was officially chartered during Ruiz’s first year at OBU, providing her and other Latino students a platform to highlight their culture, traditions and various games and delicacies.
Currently, LASO is comprised of about 15 active members who strive to amplify their voices and create an environment where Latino and Hispanic students can connect.
“When I came to OBU, I instantly felt different because not many people on campus have experienced the same things I have and don’t have the same culture as me,” Ruiz said.
At the heart of LASO’s activities is the highly anticipated Lotería night, a Mexican variation of bingo traditionally played with uncooked beans as markers.
This engaging game allows members to cherish their childhood memories and invites others to participate in this cultural experience.
LASO also has also organized events such as a Day of the Dead celebration, organizing activities such as sugar skull painting while explaining the significance of honoring departed loved ones.
Collaborations with other organizations, including a block party with OBU’s Black Student Union and joint ventures with SGA during themed weeks, further enhance LASO’s presence and raise awareness about their culture.
LASO has witnessed its impact through these events, garnering support from faculty, SGA and the student body.
Ruiz acknowledges the faculty’s unwavering assistance and SGA’s generous contributions in making their events possible.
LASO strives to be a safe space for Latinos/Hispanics on campus, fostering a sense of trust and camaraderie among members with similar backgrounds and upbringing.
“While our club may be small, we see an emergence in the events that we throw, and that is what is important to me,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz emphasizes the importance of visibility, encouraging students to join LASO and learn about diverse cultures and experiences.
Their presence on campus may be small, but their voices deserve to be recognized and valued, contributing to the growth and diversity of OBU.
To facilitate diversity growth at OBU, Ruiz suggests that collegiate admissions team target regions and countries with higher diversity rates, actively encouraging prospective students to consider OBU (and other small, private colleges) as their educational institution.
Recognizing the transformative experience that OBU offers, she hopes that more individuals from diverse backgrounds will embrace the opportunity to study and thrive in this extraordinary environment.
