Posted September 7, 2016 by
Tags: Student Activities My Wheaton
An Introduction to Unidad Cristiana at Wheaton
Unidad Cristiana is a place for students of Hispanic/Latino background to feel safe and at home. It is also a place for the rest of the student campus to come in and learn about our culture and our experiences as minorities, to try our diverse foods, and to learn more about what it means to be Hispanic.
I have been involved in Unidad since my freshman year, and am serving as president this year. Unidad has been a comfortable place for me because I am able to share my experiences with people of my same culture and eat Hispanic dishes that reminded me of home. My experience as part of Unidad has also been empowering: I have been able to form my own beliefs about my identity as a Hispanic woman, which has led me to share those experiences with people that are very different from me. I have been able to expand my horizons and join other campus organizations, develop close relationships with professors, and appreciate the treasures Wheaton has to offer.
The highlight of my involvement with Unidad has been seeing our members grow and blossom. Seeing my peers expand their horizons by joining student organizations within Wheaton’s Office of Christian Outreach and Student Activities Office has been a joy to me. I like seeing people realize that being of different ethnicity does not limit you from doing things other people do. We are just as important, just as capable, and just as loved by Christ as anyone else. Seeing our members go out and make a difference with their distinct voices and opinions makes me proud.
During previous years, Unidad has been growing and involving more people that are not of Hispanic/Latino background, and this year we want people to know that Unidad is not exclusive – it is open to everyone to come and learn about what it means to be Hispanic. We plan to create campus-wide events and collaborative events with other student organizations. We want to live out our organization name, Unidad, which means “unity.” We believe that once we start moving towards unity with everyone, then that will open the doors to conversations, learning, and a greater understanding of each other’s cultures.
Carol Torres '17 is a Spanish and Pre-nursingdouble major and is the president of Unidad Cristiana at Wheaton this year. To learn more about Unidad Cristiana, visit their website. Photo captions (from top): Unidad Cristiana members at Wheaton Bowling Alley; Students come together for a meal at the College Ave. apartments - Unidad hosts bimonthly dinners featuring various authentic Hispanic dishes; Unidad Cristiana members meet to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.