Students learn more at Latin American History Roundtable

Troy University’s History Club and the Latino Student Alliance  held a Latin American History Roundtable last Wednesday in Patterson Hall.  

“It was a really exciting partnership with Latino Student Alliance,” said Carmen Cruz, treasurer of History Club and sophomore American history major from Huntsville, Alabama. “We had a huge turnout, which was really exciting. 

“I think it’s always good for people to learn about this, but it is also great for a social aspect. I think it’s great to get people out and have conversations that I think are important.

Learning more about other people, like through tonight’s event, is really important to be a culturally aware person.” 

Round table events typically have presenters giving out a group of presentations to start a discussion on the topic. This event began with a presentation on religion in Latin America by History Club president Matilda Ziegler. It was followed by another presentation about the Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata by treasurer Carmen Cruz.  

The last presentation was a joint effort about Latin America by Latino Student Alliance president Alondra Jaimes-Pena, vice president Diana Lopez and secretary Lili Delgado.

This presentation shared the Latin American countries, its history and traditions, cultural dances, holidays, food, clothing, information about indigenous groups and so much more. 

“I really like that they highlighted every single country in Latin America because some countries are often overlooked or not mentioned,” said Sara Quiceno, a member of the Latino Student Alliance and junior nursing major from Columbia. “I really encourage everybody to come out; you’re always welcome at these meetings.” 

“I think this event is very educational,” said Alondra Jaimes-Pena, president of Latino Student Alliance and junior political science major from Birmingham, Alabama. “I think it clears up a lot of misconceptions people might have. 

“It’s a great way to connect with other people who aren’t like you and just a great way to ask any questions you might have about organizations you might be interested in joining the culture you’re interested in learning about. I really encourage everybody to come out and support new organizations. It was a great way to connect with other people and for both clubs to become friends.” 

This was the last serious academic event for the semester for History Club. However, the organization plans to hold more roundtable events and other meetings next semester.  

For more information about History Club and future events, please check their Instagram @troyhistoryclub. 

Upcoming events and interest meetings for the Latino Student Alliance are shared on its Instagram @troylatinostudentalliance.