By: Nickool Castro, Aitana Ruilova Castro and Ruben Rozo The Latin American Student Organization hosted their 2nd General Body Member (GBM) yesterday, October 31st, during Common Hour in DAC Coffeehouse. The theme, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), was quite a success. More than 60 Lasitos were in attendance. “We chose to do Día de los Muertos as our GBM because we stress the importance of celebrating the cultures within LASO,” Magdaline Hurtado, president of L.A.S.O., said. “We wanted to bring awareness to this specific day as well since it is put aside due to Halloween.” In this GBM, LASO had a presentation on the origins of Dia de los Muertos; explaining how people in different countries like Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador celebrate it, and how is it celebrated in the US. As well as, paper sugar skulls where people could make their own masks and refreshments such as elotes and cupcakes. “We strived to bring people together while teaching both Latinos and non Latinos a little more about the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos,” Natalie Chacon, Chair of the Event Planning Committee, said. “We also made it relevant that Dia de los Muertos is not just celebrated in one country like Americans are made to believe.” “We spoke about the different countries that celebrate the day, the significance, and how they differ from each other,” she added. Dia de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated in central and southern Mexico along with other Latin American countries during November 1 & 2. This coincides with All Soul's & All Saint’s Day, the indigenous people combined their own ancient beliefs of honoring those who passed away. “We also accomplished something that hasn't been done in a while,” Adriana Gallardo, Secretary of LASO, said. “This was getting a comfortable enough environment with our members, in which they got up and danced at the end. That was one of the great accomplishments that came through this GBM.” Many Lasitos (if not all) had an amazing afternoon filled with activities and tremendous fun. “I thought it was very entertaining and that we all were able to dance and the food was good,” one Lasito said excitedly. “I was struggling to find a social group and I found it with them,” added the 19 year old Colombian- Venezuelan, when asked why he joined LASO. Another Lasito said, “Its dope! The food and music was great, the president is a great host!” Event thought, the Latin American Student Organization exists to advance Latino/Hispanic awareness within the St. John’s University community by providing cultural, social and community service activities, many Lasitos feel L.A.S.O. is more than an organization. “LASO is not only about bringing awareness to Latin culture but also about creating a familia with our members,” Chacon said. “and making sure they feel welcome with us, which is why we like to bring a little fun & excitement at our GBMs.
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By: Nickool Castro The Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in collaboration with the Latin American Student Organization held its annual event Passport to Dominican Republic on October 11 at 6:00 p.m. in Marillac Terrace. The purpose of this event is to bring awareness of the Latino culture on campus. “It gives people an insight, or at least an attempt of what that culture is like,” Irving Marino, 23, Alumni of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc. said. “Two years ago we did Brazil, and last year we did Colombia.” The Brothers of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc. holds its annual passport event to expose the Latino culture to the St. Johns Community. This year they chose the Dominican Republic. During the event, they hosting traditional dance workshop such as bachata and merengue as well as distributed typical Dominican dishes just as Mangu con Salami. “The food was delicious,” Ruben Rozo, 19, Accounting major said. “I had a great time dancing bachata.” “My best friend is Dominican,” the Lasito added. “She is always talking about Mangu and salami. I finally had the opportunity to taste it.” The passport event started 10 years ago with the Brothers of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc., in which they hosted The Passport event during the Latino Heritage Month. “The Latin American student organization has been one of the most consistent benefactors of Latino culture and advancement on campus,” Carlos Collado, vice- president of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., said. “Their commitment to latinidad has made them a no question choice for collaboration.” The Latin American Student Organizations exists to advance Latino/Hispanic awareness within the St. John’s University community by providing cultural, social and community service activities. The Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. mission is to develop leaders and create innovative ways to unite the Latino Community. They do this by providing social, cultural programs and activities geared towards the appreciation, promotion and preservation of Latin American culture. “I hope that next year that not many people now about countries such as Bolivia, Panama, Paraguay or Uruguay,” Marino said. |
AUTHORSThis blog is authored by the LASO E-Board and Quality Council. Here we talk about our experiences and takes on our events held throughout the year. ARCHIVESCATEGORIES
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