Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month With Five Stories
Green Dot California’s network is founded on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is why we stand with communities across our country in celebrating this year’s National Hispanic American Heritage Month theme: Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.
While our classrooms all celebrate the diversity and cultural impact of communities all year long. We invite you all to reflect on the immense and impactful contributions the Latinx community has shared with our nation and our network—from our schools’ names to outstanding graduates. Here are five stories that celebrate our Latinx network.
This Ánimo Jackie Robinson Graduate Means Business: Meet Alexis Vasquez
Alexis Vasquez, a 2022 graduate from Ánimo Jackie Robinson Charter High School, attends the University of California, Berkeley. He plans to enroll in the school’s business program as part of his goal of becoming an entrepreneur. Alexis has big dreams and is determined to reach them but still wants to remind students to “slow down and enjoy the process.”
How this Graduate Seized the Opportunity to Come Out of Her Shell
Alexandra Aguilar, Ánimo Jackie Robinson Charter High School Alumna, has worked hard to come out of her shell and grow the confidence she needs to attend Dartmouth College. She reflects on the unwavering support she has received from her high school and her commitment to her mental health.
The Ánimo Voices Writing and Art Competition — First Place, Writing, High School
Eswin Garrido’s piece placed first for high school writing submissions in the 2022 Ánimo Voices Writing and Art Competition, which invited students to respond to the open prompt “I’ve Got Something to Say.” The competition is an opportunity to motivate, recognize, and celebrate our strong student voices through writing, spoken word, and art.
What Does Animo Mean to Green Dot California?
Most Green Dot schools in California have the word Ánimo in their name. Ánimo is a Spanish word that means “encouragement.” It’s not easily translatable. It implies the act of reassuring, inspiring, or cheering someone on to overcome a challenge. It means, “Don’t give up! You can do it!”
A Quinceañera Story’ showcases L.A. natives Ashley and Zoey
An Oscar De la Hoya Animo Charter High School student was featured in HBO's docu-series about quinceañeras in Los Angeles. Planning a quinceanera is one thing, but managing the trials and tribulations of being a young Latina in the United States is another challenge. She hopes to inspire younger women to celebrate their heritage and their autonomy.