Reflections from a young voice in Morganton

On March 11, 2023, my first column was published in The Paper. At the time, I was a sophomore at Freedom High School. I was in the middle of my application to NCSSM and was nervous about what the future had in store.

Since then, I have written 67 columns on a range of issues, including book banning, Latino homeownership, poverty, state politics, issues at Freedom and NCSSM, and more.

By the time this column is published, I will be in New Haven, Conn., and on Sunday, Aug. 17, I will officially be a student at Yale.

To say that leaving Morganton is “easy” would be a lie. I love Morganton. From its people to its natural landscape, it is, and forever will be, my home.

If I could choose anywhere to grow up again, it would be in Morganton. In this final column for The Paper, I reflect on the lessons I learned over the past few years.

Faith

Growing up, I had a close affinity to my faith as a Roman Catholic. I remember being an altar boy at the 5 p.m. Spanish Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church for most of my childhood.

I have served as a lector and a member of the choir. All of these different ministries and activities at my church have brought me closer to my faith. They pale in comparison, however, to the teachings of the Rev. Kenneth Whittington, or as he is more commonly known — Father Ken.

Father Ken has been leading Saint Charles for over 32 years. He was the priest who welcomed my family to Morganton when they immigrated to the United States.

Through numerous conversations with Father Ken and listening to many of his homilies on Sundays, I have learned that my faith is to be used to fight for the marginalized, those who have been forgotten by society, and the voiceless.

Through ministries at Saint Charles, I have seen the congregation come together to feed the hungry and protect the vulnerable. Father Ken and his congregation have taught me the virtue that is sorely lacking in our society: empathy. They have taught me to “Love Thy Neighbor as Oneself.”

Education

I have written about the different educators who have made an impact on my life and the lives of so many in Burke County.

One of the first columns I wrote was about transplant recipient Kennedy Owens. I wrote about teachers such as Mrs. Baker, Ms. Howell, and Ms. Lenetta Williams. These teachers came together to raise funds and support for Kennedy and her family. Not only do these educators devote countless hours to the education of our youth, but they also go above and beyond for their students, no matter the cost.

NCSSM-Morganton was truly a transformative experience for me. I often wonder how different my life would be if I had applied to NCSSM-Durham. Now, being an NCSSM-Morganton alum, I am confident that I made the right choice.

During my time at NCSSM, I was able to explore my different passions and interests while still being involved in my community. One of the projects I am most proud of is my research on the Mayan Genocide and its impacts on Mayans, like myself, who live in the diaspora.

The research, which I had the honor of presenting at the Southeastern Conference of Latin American Studies, could not have been possible without the educators of NCSSM-Morganton, such as Dr.David Dry.

The educators at both Freedom and NCSSM-Morganton have taught me to work hard and never stop learning.

Latino Identity

Growing up as a Latino in Morganton has been a privilege, not without its difficulties, but being a part of such a diverse community has taught me the importance of listening and taking action.

Whether that be by serving on the Human Relations Commission or IMAGINE Morganton 2040, I have always sought to be a voice for my people. Growing up here has taught me not to be a voice for a select few, but for all.

Through my columns, I have highlighted the distinct perspectives of the Latino community in Burke County. Whether that be Latino restaurant owners and homeowners or Latino students who are leading the way in education, writing about my people has been an honor.

As I reflect on my time in Morganton, I am filled with joy and hope. While this may be my final column, it is not the end of my commitment to being a voice for others.

Thank you to those who have read my columns over the years. It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life. Morganton will always be my home, and I cannot wait to visit. Until then, Go Bulldogs!