The Perspective of Efren Vaquero: Hispanics in the United States

By Kevin Mejia 

Throughout history, schools and colleges have existed to grant opportunities and education for students with different backgrounds and nationalities from around the world to learn new skills and form the careers they choose to pursue for themselves in the future. This is no exception when it comes to the Hispanic community with a representative of a Mexican American working in Lehman college as a college assistant working on CGI (Computer Graphics and Imaging) as his focus of a major and his name is Efren Vaquero. This profile would focus on how much things have changed for the group of Hispanics. 

At first, I approached Efren with the prospect of being profiled with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Acknowledging his limited prior experience with such endeavors, he expressed a willingness to participate after receiving a thorough briefing. Armed with nothing more than a notebook, pen, and a live transcription app on a phone, I set out to capture his story and insights. 

We introduced ourselves with our names and pressed play on the app to start. Efren was holding the palm of his hands and looking around expecting the unexpected on something he has not done before that would come after and staring in my direction to see what he was getting into. Efren and I were trying to concentrate not to get distracted from the environment we were in with the cold breeze of air in the room we were in and keeping track of the noise in the hallways outside. He gave me good insight on what he thought of when he told me that there was more diversity shown now than before and he is happy that it is expanding more as time moves on.

"I always saw myself as Mexican. You know, which is very different in high school because I grew up mostly with Dominicans. So it was very different, like even my Spanish was different than theirs right? Sometimes I didn't understand. So it's actually here in college where our team runs with more Mexicans and you know, like I was like, oh, it feels like a home, but then we started meeting. Different Hispanics, right and it's like um a few of my friends. Are not mixing with their Hispanic, but we all are so different."

Reflecting on this statement, it becomes evident that Efren's upbringing exposed him to a diverse array of people with varying backgrounds. This diversity led to feelings of isolation and confusion, yet Efren's experiences taught him a valuable lesson: adaptation and connection. He learned that by embracing new relationships and experiences, individuals can come to appreciate themselves and foster deeper connections with others, transcending differences in background or origin. Efren emphasizes the unity inherent within the Hispanic community, reminding us that despite initial differences, shared experiences and mutual understanding can bridge perceived divides. In essence, getting to know others on a deeper level reveals the common humanity that binds us together, highlighting the richness and depth of the Hispanic experience.

Language is another factor that connects with the hispanic community as it serves as a way to communicate in places like Latin America with the language being spanish. Efren shared his thoughts on the language he grew up in and what it means to him.  "English? Yup, um, Spanish is my first language. So I think in Spanish, you know, like I always think everything is Spanish, Spanish." Efren's language connects to him personally as an individual with American and Latino roots and to hammer the point embraces it no matter what. This gives more reason for anyone who speaks spanish to not spark shame nor fear since it is a language that connects to those who consider themselves Hispanic.  With language in general, it builds not only who you are but also the required communication relationships with people you socialize with while also expressing your thoughts and feelings on how you feel. 

Plus, not only does Efren demonstrate care and admiration for himself but for those who feel they can't raise their voice for their hispanic roots and those who feel rejected from society, Efren volunteered to fight for them as he shared that no matter what latin country you come from everyone sticks together. He has pointed out the issues and how many Hispanics still feel rejected and isolated from everyone else and with this being the case, Efren does what he can to offer the help his community needs.

"I feel like of course still as a minority. We're still not fully accepted and it's still like a struggle that we have. Mhm... Um, most of my college time I was into activism. So I was into a lot of fighting for uh immigrants rights, uh, Hispanic rights women's rights. I was in ‘CQ’ so I feel like it's still something that We still have to fight for right now. You know our parents still don't have the same rights that some of us do. That's true, which is still something. We still have to fight for right? So I feel like yes, you're more accepting now than before, but it's still a struggle." This implies Efren has fought for a group organization called "CQ" to fight for those who suffer inequality and rights taken away as a struggle for people who are outcast from society for being different. Efren also shows awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by minorities and his determination to continue advocating for social justice and equality. 

Lastly, Efren's perspective sheds light on the complexities and nuances of Hispanic identity, urging individuals to move beyond stereotypes and shallow depictions to appreciate the richness and diversity within the community. The culture is considered the sacredness and significance of Hispanic heritage, Efren underscores the deep-rooted connections to ancestry and tradition that shape individual and collective identities. He urged individuals to educate themselves and appreciate the richness and diversity within the Hispanic community especially in a time where cultural appropriation and exploitation are all too common, Efren's advocacy for cultural respect and appreciation serves as a beacon of hope and guidance. "Yeah, this is you as a person or who just don't try to appropriate a culture, you know, like try to learn about it. See what we do. Um, Hispanic culture is very Broad. It's very different. I feel like I don't see the same Spanish that my other friend does and sometimes you like. Learn about it, you know."

As a result, Efren gives a lot lot to think about and after learning from his perspective that gained valuable insights into Hispanic identity, activism, and cultural heritage. Efren's journey exemplifies the resilience and unity of the Hispanic community, advocating for acceptance and appreciation of diverse backgrounds. Through his words, he invites us to embark on a journey of learning and appreciation, enriching our own lives while honoring the heritage and contributions of the Hispanic community with pride and dignity.