Cornell’s Latine community gathered at the Latino Living Center on the evening of September 6, 2024 for the annual Bienvenidos BBQ allowing students to bond over shared identities, experiences, and taste palettes. Contagious music and laughter filled the air as students from all backgrounds visited student organizations' tables in the courtyard, while munching on catered arepas and snacks.
Approximately 20 organizations and programs participated in the resource fair showcasing what their organization offered and how to get involved, with some offering free stickers, candies, and more. Some organizations that participated include, but not limited to, Quisqeya/Dominican Student Association, Mecha de Cornell, Mexsa, Salsa Pa’lante, Sabor Latino Dance Ensemble, Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Ecuadorian Students’ Asociación (ECUA), Lambda Pi Chi/Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad Sorority, La Asociación Latina (LAL), Asociación de Sudamericanos Unidos, Underrepresented Minorities in Computing (URMC), Mariachi Regional en Cornell, Contigo Perú, and Latina/o Studies.
For many clubs, Bienvenidos was their first event of the year, as Justin Taveras ‘27, Quisqueya PR Chair emphasized. Incoming students can be overwhelmed by the long list of clubs and organizations on different days of Club Fest. Bienvenidos has become a smaller version of Club Fest for Cornell’s Latine community, allowing students to step outside their comfort zones.
“A decent amount of people show up [to club events], not thinking they are going to be part of a [club],” Quisqueya Co-President, Darwin Modan ‘26 mentioned. Modan didn’t think he was going to be part of a club when starting at Cornell, but is now on the e-board. Events like Bienvendios allowed him to step out of his comfort zone.
Those attending Bienvenidos enjoyed food by a local Venezuelan food truck, Yxi’s Arepas & Gordito. LSP Student Intern, Angel Escamila ‘27, remarked how “amazing” the food was, elaborating “this is the best Hispanic food I’ve had on campus!”
The intimacy of Bienvenidos allows students to connect and bond over shared experiences, identities, and taste palettes. Emily Rodriguez ‘27, Quisqueya Secretary, phrased this feeling best: “I’m really glad that the Latinx community at Cornell was able to come together for this event. I think it’s a really good opportunity for freshman and transfer students to realize that the Latin community at Cornell is very tight knit. I hope that everyone was able to make a new friendship or connection at the event.”
