“The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.” – Sonia Sotomayor.

Maria was determined to fit in when she first arrived in the United States from México. At 14, her limited English and thick accent made her painfully aware of the differences between her and her classmates—she felt ashamed and like an outsider, feelings that bled beyond academic settings. Maria, eager to escape the “immigrant” stigma, decided to bury her Mexican roots and disappear into the background. She traded her native language for English and mimicked her classmate’s behaviors. Maria thought that if she could blend in, maybe, just maybe, she would find a sense of belonging. What Maria failed to realize is that in trying to assimilate, she suppressed the very qualities that made her unique, like her resilience, resourcefulness, and rich cultural perspective. It was not until Maria entered higher education that a faculty member asked: What if the very things that make you different are the things that make you the most powerful?

For many Hispanic/Latinx students, growing up with a rich cultural heritage can feel like walking a tightrope between two worlds. So, what if we reframed that narrative? What if instead of seeing Hispanic heritage as something that holds us back, we embraced it as the strength that sets us apart? This is a reminder to readers, as you gear up to head back to school this fall, that our culture and intersecting identities are not a deficit, but a force to be reckoned with. In a nation that often tries to fit Hispanic individuals into narrow molds, it is easy to forget that our roots, culture, and intersecting identities are not limitations—they are our superpowers.

Reframing Hispanic Heritage as Strength

Hispanic heritage has been viewed through a lens of deficit for far too long. This perspective overlooks the immense strength, resilience, and richness that Hispanic heritage brings to society. Hispanic heritage is a powerful asset that equips individuals with a diverse set of strengths. 

The Power of Dual Perspectives: Navigating multiple cultural identities is a powerful skill that offers unique advantages for problem-solving and adaptability. Hispanic/Latinx individuals code-switch between different ways of thinking, communicating, and behaving. This flexibility enhances problem-solving skills because one can approach challenges from multiple perspectives (Kuzyk et al., 2020), combining the best of both cultures to come up with creative and effective solutions. Dual perspective also fosters the gift to seamlessly adapt to different social, professional, and cultural environments. Strong adaptability helps people thrive in diverse settings, where flexibility, understanding, and innovation are key to success.

The Power of Language: Bilingualism is a significant intellectual asset that offers numerous cognitive benefits, such as improved memory and stronger communication skills (Monnier et al., 2022). Bilingual people tend to have better working memory because the constant mental workout that comes with word recall in two different languages enhances the ability to retain and organize information, which makes it easier to process complex ideas and retain new knowledge. Beyond language fluency, bilinguals are often successful reading social cues, adjusting tone, and understanding nuances in conversation due to their ability to communicate across different cultural and linguistic contexts (Lorge & Katsos, 2025). This is an invaluable advantage that helps build connections, bridge gaps, and facilitate collaborations.

The Power of Connection: Collectivism is a core value in many, if not most, Hispanic/Latinx cultures. Hispanic heritage is rooted in family, community, and mutual support. This mindset cultivates strong networks of care and solidarity where supporting each other through challenges, celebrating successes, and working toward common goals is the norm. This collective approach fosters resilience to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity (Liu et al., 2022). Cultural connectivity forms an unshakeable foundation of unity that transcends borders and generations. It upholds deep ties to traditions and shared experiences that lead individuals to draw strength from their collective history and cultural values.

Recommendations

Navigating higher education can be both an exciting and challenging feat, especially when it comes to embracing cultural heritage. For many, balancing academic expectations with the desire to honor their roots can feel overwhelming. However, Hispanic heritage is not a barrier to success, but a powerful asset that can shape one’s academic journey in profound ways. If you are struggling to fully embrace your culture in an academic setting, you are not alone. Here are three recommendations to help you reconnect with and celebrate your Hispanic identity while navigating your higher education journey.

1.    Build community: Seek out organizations, clubs, or mentorship programs that celebrate Hispanic heritage. Surround yourself with like-minded peers who share similar experiences, as it can provide a sense of belonging and offer a space to fully express yourself. These communities can help reconnect with your roots and can provide emotional support and academic guidance.

2.    Connect with faculty and mentors you trust: Reach out to faculty members who share your background or to faculty members you trust. Building relationships with mentors who understand the challenges of navigating higher education while honoring your heritage will help you feel supported and validated. These mentors can also offer advice on how to leverage your cultural identity to enhance your academic and professional development.

3.    Find pride in your unique perspectives: Your experiences are strengths that enrich your work. Do not shy away from incorporating your heritage in all you do, including essays, discussions, and research projects. 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage and a Message to those Going Back to School 

In closing, September is Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrate and embrace the power of your influence and impact. Pride in our heritage is not something to be ashamed of— it is the very foundation upon which we can build goals, futures, and legacies. Each step you take, whether in the classroom or beyond, carries the legacy of resilience, creativity, and community that has defined generations before you. As scholars and students prepare to go back to school, remember that your place and your presence matter. You are the change we have been waiting for, and we celebrate you this Hispanic Heritage Month!

About the Author

Sandra Bertram Grant, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver. Her research focuses on exploring strategies and interventions that will promote academic success and student retention, as well as increased representation of Latina/os in leadership roles.

References

Kuzyk, O., Friend, M., Severdija, V., Zesiger, P., & Poulin-Dubois, D. (2020). Are there cognitive benefits of code-switching in bilingual children? A longitudinal study. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 23(3), 542-553.

Liu, S., Yu, B., Xu, C., Zhao, M., & Guo, J. (2022). Characteristics of Collective Resilience and Its Influencing Factors from the Perspective of Psychological Emotion: A Case Study of COVID-19 in China. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(22), 14958.

Lorge, I., & Katsos, N. (2025). Bilingual children display comparative strength using prosodic cues for pragmatic word learning. International Journal of Bilingualism, 29(1), 17-39.

Monnier, C., Boiché, J., Armandon, P., Baudoin, S., & Bellocchi, S. (2022). Is bilingualism associated with better working memory capacity? A meta-analysis. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 25(6), 2229-2255.