Something as simple as a game of Loteria and being surrounded by the laughter and excitement of students with similar backgrounds and interests as oneself can create a meaningful impact, especially when stepping into a school with an overwhelming student body. It can be hard to navigate one’s identity without feeling a sense of belonging or support. According to their co-presidents and sponsor, Lane Tech’s Latin American Student Association (LASA) offers a space for Lane’s Latino students to feel safe, welcomed, and supported.
“LASA is a space for students to feel connected to their culture in a school community, especially in a big school where it can be hard to find your people and connect with them,” said junior and LASA co-president, Isabella Chavez.
LASA has hosted numerous events from social gatherings like dance lessons to important resources involving ICE safety and more. Spanish teacher and LASA sponsor, Juanita Mendoza, said that when students join LASA, they feel as if there is now someone there to help them, whether it be academically or socially and even outside of school.
Junior Julissa Gudino, also a LASA co-president, said that LASA creates a deeper meaning for students. “I feel like a big part of it is representation; knowing that you can be Latino and still accomplish things especially in this big school,” Gudino said. “It shows that we’re here for a purpose.”
While LASA does elect new executive board members every year, the club still offers opportunities for general members through their various events and workshops. “As a general member – you don’t even have to be an executive board member or have leadership – they feel they’ve actually helped,” Chavez said. “They made a difference and provided to communities. They’re seen and they feel like they can have that space where they can be seen while they’re also helping.”
One of the club’s most recent events was an ICE safety workshop. On Nov. 13, the club invited students from all over Lane to create pins in opposition to ICE and whistles with instruction cards with rhythmic patterns to blow into the whistle if ICE is nearby and/or taking somebody.
Mendoza said it was essential for LASA to include the entire school’s contributions, and said it was very helpful as more than forty students attended the event. “Events like that really help back home,” Mendoza said. “I think it was important to act quickly, because it was happening every single day.”
Chavez explained spreading the word had become important to the club not only to help Latinos, but all students affected by ICE. Considering how close the recent ICE activity has been to Lane, LASA created infographics providing information on what students can do within their own communities regarding ICE. They also created safety classrooms for students who would prefer to avoid going outside. “It’s one of our priorities and biggest thing that we want to be able to help and support students who are being affected by immigration and ICE being near them,” Chavez said.
The club’s co-presidents and sponsors said they make an effort to share resources through Instagram. This way, they can provide students with information quicker than a community text message. They have previously reposted “‘Rapid Response” Instagram pages or family hotlines that can be called if an individual notices something wrong. They also provide resources throughout the entire school, such as “Know Your Rights” cards and whistles in various classrooms, counseling offices, and the CCC.
Chavez, Gudino, and Mendoza all said that they want students to know LASA is a place that offers community and nourishes growth. “I want them to know that they’re gonna grow as a student, but also as a whole person,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza has been the sponsor of LASA since the club began about five years ago, and she says she has seen growth from students who have participated in the club throughout the years, some having carried on to joining already existing organizations like LASA in college, or even creating some of their own. Whether you’re a board member, general member, or even just someone who has attended an event, “There’s a lot to be proud of when you’re part of LASA,” Mendoza said.
