HOLA Invites Otterbein Community to Celebrate Hispanic Culture

By Kennedy Berry ’27

Otterbein’s student organization HOLA (Heritage of Latin Americans) is bringing energy, community, and a full calendar of cultural events to campus not just during National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept.15-Oct. 15), but throughout the year.

For HOLA ambassador and Otterbein junior Alyssa Carlson, the group’s purpose is all about connection. 

“We want to reach out to students on campus who are of Latinx heritage, but also to anyone who wants to learn about Latinx culture,” Carlson said. “There are students who do not always know who they can talk to or where to go. HOLA gives them a place that feels like home.” 

Carlson first discovered HOLA through friends. She quickly saw how important the group could be, especially for students from minority backgrounds. 

“For a lot of students, it is easy to worry about fitting in,” she explained. “Being part of HOLA means you do not have to feel alone. To me, it feels like our little family at Otterbein. In Hispanic and Latino culture, family is important. Even if you are not related, you are treated like family. That is the environment we want to create.” 

Carlson said the group is working to make sure all students feel invited to join by collaborating with other groups for events and inviting the entire campus. For her, being an ambassador is a rewarding leadership role. 

“Helping create events that bring people together does not feel like a chore. It feels exciting,” she said. “I love seeing our ideas come to life.” 

Carlson encourages any student who is curious about HOLA, or who is looking for a place to belong, to give it a try. “Even if you are nervous, just try it… You will meet people when you are there… Most people [come back], because it is such a welcoming space,” she said. 

She hopes the wider campus sees HOLA as a space for everyone. “Even though it stands for Latin Americans, it is for everybody,” Carlson said. “We want everyone to come, learn, and be part of it.”