A Social Worker's Reflections on Hispanic Heritage Month

A Social Worker’s Reflections on Hispanic Heritage Month

By Kaetlynn Ayala, LSW

Hispanic Heritage Month marks a time to recognize the Hispanic histories, cultures, and various contributions of individuals of Hispanic descent to the greater community. To me, this month is a celebration, a form of remembrance, a call to embrace each other, and an important reminder.

Hispanic culture has made its way into mainstream society and has been welcomed through food, music, dance, television, and various other components of the average day to day lifestyle. The influence of the Latinx population on the nation undoubtedly deserves this recognition, and ultimately leads me to feel nothing less than a sense of pride. Along with being proud of my Hispanic descent and of the sense of connectivity that is immersed within the population, I am also reminded of the beauty in the cultural differences that exist between individuals, families, and communities who happen to speak the same language. Though we jointly celebrate Hispanic heritage this month, I reflect on the unique experiences and struggles that comprise the narratives told by our families. As a social worker of Latinx descent celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, I am reminded that each client has their own story. Each voice deserves to be heard. Individuals should not be marginalized, oppressed, and turned away simply because populations as a whole are stereotyped and viewed as inferior. Hispanic heritage is entrenched in who I am and drives my devotion to be an agent of change. It has not only shaped my values and traditions, but also my passion and inner purpose.

Macro social work has been a focus I have maintained throughout my career. The macro lens has allowed me to view the larger pictures and systemic injustices that may contribute to individual hardships. Reflecting on Hispanic Heritage Month, I visualize the sacrifice my grandmother took forty years ago in an attempt to create a better life for her children. Leaving behind all she had ever known in Guatemala, she was faced with language barriers, lack of access to resources, and overall a country that did not truly embrace her. While present conversations may have shifted to a more welcoming approach and attempt to include efforts to maintain civil rights, current practices continue to deter and disempower our most vulnerable people.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation as a whole faced immense hardship. The difficulties endured by all were nondiscriminatory and impacted individuals regardless of nationality. In response, political legislation ordered financial relief in the form of stimulus payments distributed to American citizens. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 6 out of the top 10 countries of birth for unauthorized immigrants are Hispanic. The undocumented population significantly comprised of Hispanic individuals who contribute to various successes of the nation and who also experienced the traumatic effects of the pandemic, were excluded from this relief. New Jersey responded with the Excluded New Jerseyans Fund (ENJF) and required that individuals submit lengthy applications. Already vulnerable, oppressed, and systemically traumatized individuals had to take strides to obtain the relief that American citizens were effortlessly granted.

As a professional in the social work field governed by laws and regulations, I recognize that practices and policies are in place to maintain order. However, as a social worker in particular, I also recognize the rights, dignity, and worth of a person. I recognize that life circumstances can lead to taking risks and making decisions to maintain survival. With any client, current needs and human rights are what take precedent.

This month, let us celebrate the strides and influences we have made and the resilience that is passed along through generations. Let us remember the hard work it has required to make it this far. Let us embrace each other as a collective unit who speak a familiar language, but respect, love, and acknowledge our differences. Let us be reminded that we will not stop here. By nature of the ethical code, social workers pursue social change on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. While we celebrate Hispanic heritage one month a year, there is still work to be done to truly embrace the Hispanic population.

As a first-generation Latina in the social work field, it is not only my mission to make my family proud, but to make a lasting impact one life at a time. I am fortunate that my Hispanic roots have enabled me to practice social work with a unique lens that can be applicable to Hispanic clients, communities, and vulnerable populations overall.

About the Author:

Kaetlynn Ayala is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. She works as the Social Work Program Coordinator at Ramapo College of New Jersey. She also works as a therapist in a private practice group. Kaetlynn completed her BSW in 2019 and her MSW in 2020, both from Ramapo College. She is a certified EMT and has been a volunteer with the Lodi Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Squad since 2013, currently serving as the organization's vice president.