An increasingly connected world means a larger significance on the understanding of cultures other than one’s own. In recent years, there has been a steady uptick in the number of cultural clubs at NASH, with Spanish Club rejoining the ranks under returning advisor Señor DiBacco.
Spanish Club, similar to the Multicultural Student Union and Black Student Union, aims to create a realm of inclusivity and expand the horizons of their members’ awareness and knowledge.
“I started the Spanish Club well over twenty years ago,” DiBacco said. “The original reason, which is still the reason today, is to give students who are passionate about the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures the opportunity to further learn, experience, and celebrate as many of the traditions and festivities as possible”.
In the last couple of years, the club has managed a resurgence, where members meet to share their interest in Hispanic culture.
Spanish Club President Isa Peniche is especially pleased with the club’s progress this year.
“Having something like this at NASH shows that people here are willing to indulge and learn more about the world around them, which is a skill that we often lack in such a polar world,” Peniche said.
For many NASH students, extracurriculars often become an additional ball to juggle, rather than a healthy supplement, in their busy lives. But DiBacco hopes that the Spanish Club is one of low stress and high reward.
“The rigor and time constraints of the academic curricula [at NASH] simply do not allow enough time to actively and fully partake in the many different cultural activities that deeply interest the students,” DiBacco said.
DiBacco added that he hopes the loose structure of the once-a-month meetings allow students to work the club into their schedules.
The Spanish Club’s main goal is to offer meaningful immersion in Hispanic culture, which includes speaking Spanish as often as possible, listening to Hispanic and merengue music, and cooking recipes based on region or occasion.
“At Spanish Club, we can successfully plan and execute these extra enriching, engaging, and fun activities during our gatherings,” DiBacco said.
Peniche’s involvement in the club has been eye-opening.
“Being in Spanish Club has helped me see the full scope of people who are connected to a Latino background or have an interest in that culture”.
DiBacco hopes to continue growing membership and expand the role of the club to service opportunities within the community. This year introduced the Spanish National Honor Society, opening an avenue to positively impact the community as much as the club does its members.
Interested students can contact Peniche or visit Señor DiBacco in Room 210.
