I interviewed Sofia Sampedro ’24, founder and co-president of the Latin/Hispanic Student Union here at NDP, to learn more about the club and her experience establishing it.
In your opinion, what’s the purpose of an affinity group?
The purpose of an affinity group is to share similar experiences with fellow students who share a part of your identity. It is a safe space to learn from each other, and work to educate others in the community! We always have a great time.
What was the process for establishing LHSU?
I actually started it by accident! I asked Ms. Dana (the former DC moderator) in November of my freshmen year to join the Latin/Hispanic affinity space, and she said that I should just start one! It was difficult barely knowing anyone at a new place, and then having meetings with the Dean of Students during my first few months was a little scary. The support from Ms. Dana and Mrs. Mendez helped tremendously! Soon enough, we started having meetings on zoom with only four people but it was a fun time. I remember I said my favorite dish and zodiac sign to break the ice (me as a freshmen trying to break ice with one other freshmen and three juniors/seniors haha) and we all got into a great discussion after that! Ever since we’ve kept the space lively and fun.
What is LHSU’s role at NDP?
In the LHSU, our role is to make the Latin and Hispanic students and faculty members feel safe and amplified by working together. We also have a duty of supporting the other affinity groups, cultures, and diversity efforts at NDP. We also love to share our amazing culture with NDP! Like tomorrow, October 12th, we’re throwing a Latin fiesta with music and piñatas during lunch. Earlier in the month we sold (and quickly sold out of!) strawberry agua fresca and horchata. When the Hispanic and Latin communities come together, we truly can create something beautiful and we love to be able to share it with others!
In your opinion, what is the most meaningful work LHSU has done?
The most meaningful work I think we’ve done is being the very first Upper Level group to include the Middle Level in celebrations. For Hispanic Heritage Month my sophomore year, we presented to each advisory in the Middle Level. We shared about how the celebratory month started, how the idea of “The American Dream” is so important to and respected in our community, some pop artists we like, and even a little about our individual experiences at NDP. The overwhelming love and support from the Middle Level was unbelievable and so unexpected! We kept getting asked to come back (which we did for cinco de mayo!). There were standing ovations, thank you letters from students, and we made great friends with future LHSU members!
Has being part of an affinity group inspired you to seek out other similar experiences outside of NDP?
Being a part of an affinity group has definitely inspired me to take on similar experiences outside of NDP! I’ve connected with many of the other Latin/Hispanic affinity group leaders, and we have and are continuing to plan get togethers for all of us outside of school! It’s great to network and build connections, especially with people of similar experiences as you. I’ve also gotten great music and restaurant recommendations from meetings, and am super grateful for those!
Thanks to the LHSU, the NDP community has been able to able to learn more and truly celebrate this Hispanic Heritage month!