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Show MyWeberMedia.com| September 22, 2020 | 11 a place like Utah. That’s the reason why we have to learn about our history and different traditions, so we can bring it to Weber State. We have to instill that in the generations that come after us.” These campus groups also provide community and support for international and multicultural students, like a second family. Vasquez said it can be difficult if she’s in class and doesn’t know what a certain word means, but she feels comfortable asking her peers from the Ballet Folklorico her questions because they can relate to what she’s going through, as well. They are the community she’s able to lean on without feeling judged. “We have the same struggles with a different story,” Vasquez said. “It’s a beautiful learning experience to be involved. If English isn’t your first language and you’re trying to finish your college education, it can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. It’s nice having people rooting for you.” Getting involved in international clubs on campus helps students to learn about each other. Amaya said his family always made sure he was involved in school and learned about the history and traditions of other cultures. That was one of his favorite parts about being involved in the HAC. Learning about all cultures is important and can be beneficial to all students. It can help clarify misconceptions about other cultural groups. For example, different Hispanic cultures celebrate different holidays and have different traditions. Another example Vasquez has heard in the past is the assumption that every Hispanic eats spicy foods, while in fact Colombians and Guatemalans do not eat spicy food. As far as learning about hispanic cultures, Rodriguez said anyone is welcome to join the HAC and attend their meetings. Vasquez urges anyone who is interested in HAC to join, regardless of where they come from. Vasquez said it’s just a matter of wanting to learn about different cultures and become more educated. “We do share the language, but at the same time, our cultures and traditions are different, and that should be interesting to learn,” Vasquez said. “Our cultures are different, but we are here for each other.” As a hispanic community, Amaya urges that more people get more involved to talk about certain issues within the community. Amaya and Vasquez agreed that WSU could be doing a better job of advertising name recognition within the HAC and other international clubs on campus. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com AUBREE ECKHARDT | The Signpost group of leaders that represent different interests on campus.” Another such organization is WSU’s Ballet Folklorico, a hispanic folk dance group that also “helps students develop leadership skills by mentoring, advising, community service, strengthening strong cultural identities and engaging in social activities,” according to their website. Maria Vasquez, Ballet Folklorico president, said it’s neat that the dance team helps her learn about different countries; the costumes, dances and music all tell a story, making Folklorico dance unique. Learning new things about their culture through the HAC and Ballet Folklorico is something Vasquez and Amaya are both passionate about. “You have to engage in a more extreme way,” Amaya said. “Here in the U.S. it’s really hard to keep those traditions, especially in |