Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Mu Chi Chapter members recently submitted the final works for their College Project. The college project focused on sharing diversity around campus. The Alpha Mu Chi chapter decided to team up with our institution’s administration to implement motions to advocate diversity on campus. This task group was designated by the college president and was called the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce. The main objective for this project was to make students from different backgrounds feel more included on campus. The project aligns with NTCC’s “Destination 2025” Strategic Plan of community enhancement.
The whole project consisted of 4 phases: P1-finding issues related to diversity, P2-addressing the issues with potential solutions, P3-evaluting the issues/solutions and setting the ideas on campus, P4-take action and evaluate the outcome.
Actions that were implemented towards the college project were selling Agua Fresca to educate of the Mexican culture, gathering a list of NTCC international students for flag representation, representation of Diwali through lights and card games, attending a Choctaw tribe presentation, and supplying a Day of the Dead cake. All of the listed actions gave PTK an opportunity to experience and educate themselves and other college students of various diverse cultures that are right here on our campus!
PTK members were quoted with their own diverse experience as well:
“Being born Mexican means inheriting a rich culture. Ever since I was little, my family has exposed me to our heritage and taught me the importance of where we come from. The music we dance and listen to, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the festivals we celebrate are all important parts of who I am. Being represented at my college made me feel welcomed and created a safe environment for me” - Victor Diaz
“My family is originally from Washington state. In Washington, mostly everyone came from the same background. When I moved to Texas, I got to experience new food and music. Some of my chapter members introduced me to Latin music. I also got to experience new types of weather. In Washington, it rained all the time with very little sunshine. In Texas, you never know what type of weather the day will bring.” - Jordan Chapin
“Growing up in a small town you learn that finding diversity is sometimes hard to seek. Thanks to my chapter I have learned about different holidays cultures celebrate across the globe that I have never heard of. This has made me feel more informed and included as they celebrated holidays from my culture as well. - Fatima Fuentes
“I was one of the few South Americans in my high school, so I didn’t grow up with the understanding of how to value my culture. It wasn’t until much recently that my family and I visited Colombia, and I was able to reconnect with my heritage. I learned to cook traditional Colombian meals, dance Cumbia with my family, and was even able to learn more about my family history. I learned to value my culture because it’s what helps define my individuality and connect me to my ancestors.”- Victoria Matiz
“Being an Honduran/Mexican meant that I embraced 2 different cultures. Both cultures one thing they have in common is family loyalty.� The bond I have with my family is insurmountable. Although they share this same value, they each have their own differences. Growing up I was very close with my cousins and often had gatherings. I’m able to share my Mexican culture with many of my friends and classmates, however, finding people to share the Honduran culture with has been difficult. Thankfully my campus is diverse enough and I can find other people to relate to and share with those who I can’t.”- Raul Leija
“Being born and raised for in Mexico made a big impact when it was time to move to a totally different country like The United States. Learning the language and adapting yourself to new traditions without your parents or siblings makes you realize how important it is to carry your heritage with pride because that is the only thing that you get to take with you when it’s time to move. Being Mexican to me is more than eating tacos or tamales, being Mexican is working everyday to build better opportunities in your future for those who are around you or love you.”- Monse Rivero
“Coming from a Mexican family I was always exposed to a culture that is very proud and expressive. However, growing up I didn’t exactly feel as close to my heritage as I do now. My family was spread around the world and we were never very close. Regardless, my parents showed me the importance of my culture and I could connect with my distant family though food, music and dances, and many traditions we carry on from our ancestors. I learned to appreciate all of it and how much it defines me and my family and how it contrasts from those around us.”- Michelle Calderon
“I was born and raised for 10 years in San Diego California by two immigrant parents, where I had learned that community is everything. In my culture, we believe that it takes a village to prosper, and with the same community work together to build a better tomorrow. My culture has impacted me in the way I see the world and believe that everyone has a role in this world, so make yours count, no matter what culture you are from.”- Ruby Ferretiz
