Fullerton College celebrated the grand opening of the Puente Center on the second floor of the 2000 building with speakers and live music on Sept. 12.
Author Reyna Grande was the event’s special guest, and she spoke to those in attendance. “Embrace your stories, heritage and dream. You have the power to create something extraordinary,” Grande said.
Grande was the first in her family to go to a university, as she attended UC Santa Cruz, earning her master’s degree. Her dream to become a writer all started with the book, “The House on Mango Street,” given to her by a mentor.
Grande talked about how this country has failed to give our immigrant families and undocumented students opportunities they need to thrive, placing barriers in the way.
The grand opening of the Puente Center allows students to find a place where they belong, where their voices matter. Grande said it really lived up to its name, a bridge where students are provided with tools that help them overcome obstacles.
Las Cafeteras also performed live music, and their performance was filled with students and staff waving their hands in the air, clapping and dancing.
Las Cafeteras are from East L.A., where they started back in 2004 with six band members. Members include Hector “El feo mas bello” and Denise Carlos, who play the Jarana. The drummer is Jose Cano, Jorge Mijangos plays the requinto jarocho, keys were played by Jesus Gonzalez and basse was played by Moises Baquerio.
Over the past 20 years, they have developed into skilled songwriters, performers, and musicians, continuing to make an impact through their music.“[Music] brings people together, have a good time and talk about how to create a better world,” said Hector.
Puente is a special program at Fullerton College. It’s a learning community with English classes, counseling support, and mentorship. “[Members] build a sense of community within everybody. They’re really good at focusing on the students,” said freshman Saint Martinez.
Puente wants the puentistas to build community, study, support each other, and relax between classes. “[The goal is] to provide support for English that students struggle with, counseling to help guide them, and assign a mentor to reach out to,” said Puente counselor Lorena Marquez.
“I’m just a new student, and it’s harder to make friends in college. But with this program, I’ve talked to many more students. I’ve connected to them.” said freshman Eduardo Juarez
California has now become the first state to allow students who are undocumented to qualify for campus jobs. Grande says she wants to give the best of herself, utilizing her talents and skills to honor her Latinx community culture.
The education of the Latinx students is important, creating a brighter future for them. The goal is to break cycles and disadvantages to allow students to pursue their dreams, feel seen, thrive, empowered and contribute to society.
Students that are first generation to go to college, this program can create a way that makes the Latinx community proud.
