Latino Medical Student Association hosts fiesta
By Audrey Post , FSU College of Medicine
Members of the Latino Student Medical Association serve fellow students , faculty and staff during its fiesta in the atrium .
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month , the Latino Medical Student Association ( LMSA ) sponsored Hispanic Heritage Fiesta at lunchtime Tuesday , Sept . 17 , in the College of Medicine atrium .
More than 100 students enjoyed a tasty and healthy lunch of beef or chicken tacos with all the fixings and horchata , a favorite Mexican drink made with rice , milk , vanilla , cinnamon and water . DJ Heat , aka second-year PA student Kenny Morales , kept the crowd dancing as the long line wound its way to the food .
“ Being a DJ for many years , I ’ ve witnessed how music unifies people . Even in a non-Hispanic audience , Spanish music is a universal genre that always gets the party started ! After joining LMSA , this is the party I wanted to bring to the College of Medicine ,” he said .
The goal , he said , was not only to showcase Latin culture through food and music , but also to show fellow cohorts a great time . “ As COM students , we study so hard that we forget how important it is to have fun and provide an opportunity for our minds to rest for our mental health .”
LMSA President Mariela Vega Arreola agreed . “ It was so much fun , and I think everyone had a good time .”
The organization sponsors a number of events throughout the year , including Salsa Dancing Nights , mentoring programs for pre-med students , and an annual health fair in Quincy for migrant workers and their families , which includes blood pressure screenings , dental hygiene tips and sunscreen education .
National Hispanic Heritage Month , which runs from Sept . 15 to Oct . 15 each year , celebrates the histories , cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain , Mexico , the Caribbean and Central and South America . It started in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded during the Reagan administration to a month , beginning Sept . 15 . The date is significant because it is the anniversary of Independence Day for Costa Rica , El Salvador , Guatemala , Honduras and Nicaragua . Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept . 16 and Sept . 18 , respectively .
Roselane Ramirez said being a part of LMSA is “ profound honor .”
“ It allows me to share my culture and heritage with my non-Latino colleagues ,” she said , “ which builds understanding and collaboration as we strive to provide compassionate care for all and build a richer , more inclusive medical community .”
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