TOWAMENCIN – North Penn’s Spanish and Latino Student Association club is kicking off the school year with high energy and open arms. The club has been staying true to its mission of uniting North Penn students of all backgrounds and languages, while also educating them about Hispanic and Latino culture.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re speaking Spanish or you know no Spanish. Everyone is welcome to join. In fact, we love it when people who don’t know the culture or language that well come in and learn. That’s the best. That’s our goal.” SALSA club President Julia Cavanaugh said.
It should be noted that Cavanaugh came into the position of president under unique circumstances. She joined during her sophomore year and attended all five meetings held that year.
“[The cabinet members] were all seniors. When we joined, we were asked ‘Do you want to take over?’. There was no election because there weren’t enough people to have an election.” Cavanaugh said.
During her junior year, Cavanaugh collaborated with her cabinet members and her advisor to create new material for the club.
“There was no, ‘What did we do last year?’ because what did we do last year? Essentially, not a lot.” Cavanaugh said.
“My Spanish teacher had done this before, so she had ideas from past clubs, so there wasn’t nothing. We had websites and activities to look at, but our resources and how we did everything was really up to us.” Cavanaugh said.
The Spanish teacher and club advisor in question, Professor Hannah Salnaitis, also had her own special string of events that led her to her current position.
“After high school, I went to Temple for a semester. Then I chose to move to Mexico and lived there for seven years,” Salnaitis explained. “I feel like I really picked up the language and learned more about the culture while living there. I came back more empowered and more passionate to become a Spanish teacher, and to share this same passion with students.”
This passion is evident, as the SALSA club clearly embraces education, and encourages everyone to learn about other people and their backgrounds.
“Learning is the most important thing. Learning about other people, other languages, other cultures. That form of communication and understanding between other people changes your life.” Cavanaugh said.
While the club does focus significantly on education and awareness, it also provides new and old members with an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere in which students can forge new friendships.
“Spending time with the people here. That’s really all it is.” Social Media Manager Oscar Peralta Columna said.
The club has also shared its vision for the school year. They hope to connect with other cultural clubs and make the presence of SALSA more prominent throughout North Penn.
“I think this year we’re gonna have a better turnout. I know what I’m doing and our cabinet is really excited.” Cavanaugh said.
The SALSA club meets twice a month on Wednesdays in room B122.