Daniel Costa
Asst. News Editor
PROVIDENCE, R.I., — The Latin American Student Organization has once again resumed activities. Following a series of online semesters implemented by the college’s administration, the club is attempting to reach out to the student body in a renewed push for members. “When I got here, there was no LASO. Having that community is what I needed.” said LASO President Kiara Escarciga. Weekly meetings are held in the Unity Center beneath the Donovan Dining Center, at 12:30 p.m.
LASO wishes to positively represent Latin American students at Rhode Island College and inform the wider community on the vibrance of Latin culture. A quarter of the college population is of Hispanic and Latin descent, the ambition of their mission is matched by the energy of club leaders including President Escarciga, Vice President Brian Villa, Secretary Lorraine Quintero and Treasurer Angel Guzman. For those interested in experiencing Latin culture, LASO is the avenue to achieve that.
While LASO seeks to represent the Latin community on campus, their doors are open to people of every race, ethnicity and tongue. “We want to provide that community for anyone who wants to join.” said Quintero.
Villa added, “The Latin community is a welcoming community where we don’t marginalize anyone.”
There are several events planned for the remainder of the semester and beyond. On Nov. 3 LASO organized a Dia de Muertos activity on the campus quad. Dia de Muertos is a holiday found throughout the Latin American world commemorating the memory of deceased relatives and friends. The event featured a communal dinner on the quad as well as the opportunity to smash a pinata. While this event has already occurred, several others such as a Dia de los Reyes celebration are also planned for January. Furthermore, a food bank drive is tentatively scheduled for around Thanksgiving. A push to donate youth soccer cleats is also scheduled for December.
Group leaders emphasized the importance of serving the Latino community and the campus populace in general. “Being a part of LASO is more about what we can do for you, not what you can do for us.” stated Villa.
Escarciga also noted the desire for LASO to collaborate with other college organizations, “We are more than willing to collaborate with members of other communities. If they wish to work with us as well, we are more than happy to work with the entire community.”
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