As a Cuban-American, my personal connection to Spanish language and culture has shaped me deeply. I grew up speaking both English and Spanish every day, but surrounded by friends and classmates who were often unaware of the rich culture, stories, and relationships they were missing by not speaking Spanish. In the schools and communities I’ve been part of, where Spanish wasn’t commonly spoken, I began to notice how much can be lost when only one language and culture is centered. Watching that disconnect happen in real time has made me even more committed to creating spaces where language brings people together instead of keeping them apart.

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Having had those experiences, I began to understand more deeply my grandmother’s story of immigrating here. At 16, she left her home with little more than her language and history, carrying them with her to the US. Learning English was a challenge she met with determination, and her experience showed me how essential language is for being understood and included, especially when English is the primary language in schools and institutions.

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This project is born from my love for literature and history, and it’s designed to bridge the gap between Spanish and English-speaking students. By using works from Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Latinx authors, I want to give students from all backgrounds the chance to strengthen their language skills and build cultural awareness. Through literature, we can explore the shared histories and struggles that have shaped both Spanish and English-speaking communities, especially in places like the U.S. where these two worlds often collide.

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