Flantastico Lunes!

On September 8th, 2025, a group of students, faculty, and staff gathered at Loke Hall for a hands-on session preparing flan—a beloved Latin American dessert that served as the perfect backdrop for deeper conversations. What began as a culinary adventure quickly evolved into an inspiring dialogue about the joys, challenges, and shared experiences of speaking Spanish. Organized to foster learning and enjoyment, the event highlighted how language connects us to our roots, families, and futures, reminding us that speaking Spanish isn’t just about words—it’s about building bridges across cultures.
What started as a simple idea from freshman psychology major Elian Ramirez blossomed into an enriching event. A discussion about why they wanted to learn or practice Spanish. We discovered a profound common thread: Spanish is deeply woven into the heritage of many of our students, yet their journeys with the language vary widely. Not everyone grew up immersed in it; some learned through family conversations, others in classrooms, or on trips. The student mentioned technical terms that they don’t know how to translate into Spanish. Others mentioned the confidence in understanding Spanish—picking up on conversations or songs effortlessly—but the hesitation to speak fluently. Many expressed a heartfelt desire to reconnect with grandparents, fearing the language is slipping away in English-dominant environments. A universal frustration was in the room: the bilingual brain’s occasional mix-ups, forgetting a term in English or Spanish alike.

Yet, amid these challenges, the group celebrated the resilience and creativity that define bilingual life. We agreed that “Spanglish”—that fluid blend of both languages—is not a flaw but a strength, and we live our multicultural realities. Stories poured out of parental challenges: parents who arrived speaking little English but earned their GEDs through sheer determination. This resilience, we noted, is a hallmark of Latino communities, turning obstacles into sources of pride. The conversation also turned to the magnetic pull of Latin America itself. Participants who had traveled to countries like Mexico, Colombia, or Paraguay spoke of falling in love with the welcoming people, rich traditions, and diverse cultures. One student recounted a study abroad trip where Spanish opened doors to lifelong friendships, while others dreamed of returning to their Latin American countries. Ultimately, we affirmed that mastering a second language like Spanish isn’t just practical—it’s transformative, enabling deeper connections with people from varied backgrounds and enriching our global perspectives.

As we tried to caramelize sugar, attempting family recipes amid laughter and a few kitchen mishaps, the event wove language with tradition. Flan-making became a metaphor for preserving heritage: sweet, layered, and best shared. We reminisced about Latin American fruits, traditional plates, and the comforting rituals they evoke. This gathering underscored our common ground in speaking Spanish: a language of heritage, hurdles, and heart. It invites us all to embrace our bilingual stories, one conversation—and one slice of flan or chocoflan—at a time. If you’re inspired to join future Common Grounds, watch for announcements; your voice could be the next to light up the room.