# @rutgersu on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CjYGwn4r0-2
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/841071-rutgersu-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b89b1fce6f.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-10-06T15:05:06.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Rutgers University (@RutgersU) — https://gondola.cc/RutgersU

## Caption

For #HispanicHeritageMonth, we've asked students to write an open letter detailing their heritage, their loved ones they share it with, and the lands they come from. Take the time to learn these stories as we share them over the next few weeks ❤️

Meet Melany Subina, a @rutgersartsandsciences student majoring in Linguistics Speech & Hearing Sciences.

"Dear Ecuador,

Whenever someone asks me where I’m from you are the first thing that comes to mind. Although I was born in the US, Ecuador is all I have ever known. I am a first generation American trying every day to stay connected to Ecuador in every way I can. Everything I know about Ecuador comes from both of my parents who immigrated to the US 20 years ago. They keep Ecuador alive in our home, and in me and my sister. My hometown, Newark, keeps Ecuador alive for us. From the family-owned restaurants who serve Bolón de verde at 8 am to the festivals downtown every August 10th to celebrate Ecuador's Independence Day.

The “Association Del Centro Social Alausi'' taught me about Ecuador. Made up of community members who work every year to keep our culture alive in Newark. My mother told me stories of carnivals and bullfights that took place in Alausi. Her stories became a reality every May when “La Fiesta de San Pedro De Alausi” was held in Newark. There, life-size models of wooden bulls were built and mounted on wheels to recreate a real bullfight. My mother's dance group taught me folk dance and music from Ecuador. Since I was 5, she has dressed me in traditional clothing from different provinces of Ecuador such as " Imbabura and Chimborazo" while we danced to traditional music. My father showed me to take pride in being Ecuadorian in his favorite way possible, through soccer. He made sure I had my yellow jersey with “ECUADOR” printed on the back.

My community taught me about Ecuador. I admire their willingness to keep their culture alive through language, food, and even wooden bulls on wheels. They brought Ecuador with them and made sure I felt at home with them."

#RutgersPride | #RutgersExcellence 🌟🇪🇨

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 915
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 35

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rutgers University | @RutgersU | https://gondola.cc/RutgersU | University |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Photographer |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Social Media Manager |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Copywriter |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Photo Editor |

## Tags

rutgerspride, hispanicheritagemonth, rutgersexcellence

## Events

hispanic heritage month | rutgers u 2022

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