Hispanic/Latin@ Diversity and Identity
By Ligia Lundine

During the last Editorial Board meeting of ¿Qué Pasa, OSU?, we embarked on a very ambitious project. We wanted to explore the concept of Hispanic/Latin@ identity and some of the implications of our presence in this country and at Ohio State. As we began to investigate this complex issue, we realized that we were touching a fertile ground for discussions and debates. In this edition, we are pleased to feature opinions and perceptions from various members of the community about what being Hispanic/Latin@ means to them. Furthermore, Professor Ignacio Corona unravels the processes of the interrelated social, cultural and political nature behind a name, as a reflection of the forum, “What’s In a Name?,” organized last year by the Multicultural Center and the Office of Hispanic Student Services. In addition, Professor Abril Trigo discusses the foundations of the cultural diversity of Latin America. As a special feature in this issue, Víctor Mora has prepared a display of graphic information based on demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau about the presence of the Hispanic/Latin@ population in the United States. In “Su Opinión,” Ivonne García traces the history of the terms Hispanic and Latin@ and why this maters.

This year, Alpha Psi Lambda, the nation’s first co-ed Latin@-interest fraternity, celebrated its twentieth anniversary. In this issue, we will learn from Leslie Dunstan about the origins of the fraternity, the significance of this organization in providing support to students, not only in Ohio but nationwide, and its long tradition of academic excellence, unity, diversity, service and commitment.

Ernesto Escoto and Gonzalo Bruce, in their respective positions at Counseling and Consultation Service and at Hispanic Student Services, have a unique opportunity to interact with Hispanic/Latin@ students from many different backgrounds. Their rich experience and views illustrate an interesting perspective about diversity and identity at Ohio State.

In the profile section, we will learn about the path-breaking research conducted by Professor Patricia Enciso from the School of Teaching and Learning and Juan Alfonzo from the Department of Microbiology, as well as Ph.D. student Rosario Barbieri from the Department of Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology. In addition, sociology major Luís Sanchez speaks about his experience as a freshman student coming from California to OSU. In the health section, Cristine Masters presents an innovative and holistic research on nutrition, in which diverse cultural backgrounds in the Hispanic/Latin@ community are being uncovered in order to influence attitudes and behaviors related to nutrition and health. Through a poem written in Spanish, staff member Noé Tirado-Muñiz adds a creative element to this issue.

The preparation of this issue has been an enlightening and educational experience. Opening the doors to different perspectives about the issue on Hispanic/Latin@ diversity and identity has enriched our own viewpoint. In our journey to elucidate our differences, we hope to illuminate the dialogue that ultimately leads to finding our affinities. In the meantime, our goal is to demonstrate through this issue that there are many different backgrounds, stories, places and dreams behind the term Hispanic/Latin@, and that a name is not enough to encapsulate the immense wealth of our cultures. In addition to deciphering the meaning of a name, understanding the Hispanic/Latin@ population and its impact on this society, and specifically in this institution, is paramount in order to solidify a foundation based on communication and solidarity. Beyond this fascinating contrast and medley of ideas, the Hispanic/Latin@ community at Ohio State is going through an interesting time – a time to explore, discuss and create new paradigms or examine old ones, and a time to build bridges and embrace the complexity of diversity.