America is known as a melting pot of cultures, and at MATC the same could be said for this non-traditional college.  Though it’s not your typical two-year school, the campuses do offer students a variety of Student Life activities.  Starting the semester with strong strides are those of the Latino Student Organization (LSO).   Eager and persistent individuals pushing through their day-to- day lives, coming together to bridge their education with their commitment to serve.

The Hispanic culture has offered much to our society through music, food, art and languages.  

In Milwaukee, the majority of the Latin community dwell on the Southside of the city.  Moving past. stereotypes and negative depictions in the medias the LSO is driven to educate and elevate those around to follow their dreams.   This organization has been in existence on campus since the 70’s.  

With fewer members in those days, it was the LSO’s purpose to represent their culture and be a positive presence at MATC.  Moving forward to 2012, the LSO is striving and dedicated to bringing awareness while educating not just the students here but in their neighborhood.

Fabian Rodriguez, President of the LSO, commented, “I’m an education major, and my main focus is on the dropout of Latin men, emphasizing the importance of an education.”  

Rodriguez continued, “the Latino community is lacking many things: resources, motivation, and the drive they once had while fighting for their civil rights in Milwaukee.  It did not matter if you were Puerto Rican, Mexican, Cuban or whatever; you stood under that brown pride as a Latino. You stood for civil justice, social justice and self- justice when it comes down to it.” 

His passion for his heritage and vision is prevalent as he stated, “Now that is what’s faulting in our community, the younger  generation are more focused on the media, out hanging, and just kicking it, not worrying about politics or not worried about what’s going to affect their future.”

While sharing views on his community as a Latino, Rodriguez mentioned outside organizations that were allies to bring social awareness issues to Milwaukee: Voces de la Frontera, UMOS, and The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are organizations doing their part on the Southside to focus on the youth. Branching out to assist AODA (Alcohol or Other Drug Abuse), homeless children, or troubled youth is a goal for the LSO.  

Rodriguez articulated his affiliation to other organizations in high school, Latinos Unidos in his senior year.  

Then moving to UW-Oshkosh, where he joined SOL (Sons of Latinos), “organizations were
my getaway from home card.” 

Rodriguez mentions and continues to state “I was not able to associate myself with the Latinos from up north. Yeah, we Latino; we eat the same foods, the same color, pretty much look the same, but it was how they were raised.  They were assimilated, too Americanized for me to identify.  Which is why I joined the BSU while there, because members were from Milwaukee and most specifically the Southside.”  

To explain his feeling of being out of place as a Latino amongst Latinos could only be summoned up as a fish in a new pond.

Other members in the LSO know the importance of giving back. Richard Munoz, Vice-President of the LSO could speak on being in the streets and troubles with the law in his youth.  

Munoz explained that he was a “Chicano”, which means a Mexican- American born in the USA.  “I’ve been taking my lead from Fabian, he is well organized and has been a part of numerous organizations prior.  I’m 45 years old; I feel good hanging around the young guys.  I came from a bad background where I was in prison and out.  Now I want to give back, thus my Human Service career choice, it’s time for me to give back to my community.  I have a new change of heart and mind.  I planned to help not just my Latino culture, but all ethnic backgrounds.”

Sandra Uscanga, Business Management student, is one of the members of the LSO. “I like being a part of the LSO because we do so much for the community which is self satisfying.  I remember one year organizing for the group to sing Christmas carols at a day center for seniors. Becky gave me the initiative to dress up in reindeer hats while singing to the elderly,” stated Uscanga. 

Uscanga also shared the continued sentiment of being a part of an organization where giving back unites their heritage.

The goal at hand for the LSO is to retain members and get their members to take ownership in the organization.  “It’s easy to become a member of the LSO, and sign the roster for attendance.” 

Rodriguez stated, “We want people to join who can sacrifice their time to dedicate themselves to the nation, to their people, and are willing to give back.” 

Doesn’t seem like your everyday group of Latinos, sitting around waiting for a change, the LSO is charting out their own destiny.

If you had to sum up the LSO in one word they suggest “Menudo”, a Mexican soup which is a comfort food of their culture.  

When asked why that word, unanimously Rodriguez, Uscanga, and Munoz smiled to each other with a perplexed glare to try to explain.  

Rodriguez concluded, “it’s a social gathering, it’s weird but good.  It’s sweet and sour with meat.  That’s what the LSO is about; mixing the young with old, we got black, we got white, we got brown, and we got it all! It’s like coming to grandma’s house-no matter who you are you’re welcomed to LSO.”

Check out the LSO this month, as they share  their culture during Hispanic Heritage month.  

You’ll be able to immerse yourself into their culture from Aztec dancing to Bachata music.  

The LSO has numerous events scheduled from the end of September to the middle of October; check the calendar of events on page 2 for dates and details.  If you’d like to join the LSO, they meet on Mondays at 2:30 p.m. in room M322.