09/19/23
Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Kelly Aragon
This is the second in a series of spotlights for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Gadsden State’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is spotlighting Kelly Aragon, an assistant in the Cardinal Tutoring Center.
What is your background and ancestry?
My maternal grandparents are from Oaxaca, Mexico, where they were born and raised. My mother and three of her siblings were also born in Mexico. I was born in the U.S.
What are ways you honor your Hispanic culture daily?
I honor my Hispanic culture by making the dishes my grandmother has taught us. We also celebrate traditions that they would usually celebrate in Mexico as they were growing up.
Is there a specific part of Hispanic culture that you want to pass along to others?
There are so many traditions within our family that we want to always keep going.
Describe your experience as a Hispanic student and then instructor in higher education?
It can be challenging at times. Due to different cultures, we all learn something different growing up. For example, while I was growing up, I didn’t know some artists that others talked about. Since I would like to be a math teacher, I hope I can bond with all my students. If I have students that are not fluent in English and their first language is Spanish, I provide instruction to them in Spanish so they can continue to learn while transitioning from Spanish to English.
