In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, North Central Missouri College spotlights outstanding student Karen Cisneros. Karen, a Missouri A+ Scholarship student, is a first-year student from La Monte, Missouri. Karen is taking education courses with plans to become a K-12 art teacher. After graduating from NCMC with her Associate in Arts in Teaching, she plans to transfer to a four-year university to complete her bachelor’s in education.
Karen is Hispanic/Mexican, and what she loves most about her heritage is the dancing, music, art and food. Karen said, “My dad enjoys music, so it’s been a big part of my family and really important to me. My mom is a good cook; learning how to cook with my mom and learning her recipes is one of my favorite things to do. Art is one of the things that made me really close to my grandpa and has brought me to teach little kids that love art!” Karen went on to say that her favorite traditions are opening presents at midnight on Christmas Eve and spending time with family.
When asked how she shares her culture with others, Karen said, “If anyone has questions, I gladly answer them. I enjoy sharing my culture’s food and music. People at NCMC are very welcoming. My friends think it’s cool that I can speak Spanish and English and go back and forth between the two languages. They love going to Mexican restaurants with me because I can order for them in Spanish.”
At NCMC, Karen lives in the residence halls, is a member of SMSTA (Student Missouri State Teachers Association), and Student Support Services. Karen chose NCMC because of the welcoming atmosphere, small size, and because she likes her advisor, Cassie Corday. Karen said, “NCMC is welcoming, and it’s very diverse. I like the people, the teachers are helpful, and I like that I’m away from home, but still close enough to go home.” Karen’s favorite class is Intro to Teaching and Teaching with Field Experience with Instructor Cassie Corday and Art Appreciation with Instructor Jim Norris.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 until October 15 and celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of individuals and their ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
North Central Missouri College recognizes, uplifts, and amplifies the voices of Hispanic students and celebrates their heritage. To learn more about NCMC’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts, visit https://www.ncmissouri.edu/ or contact NCMC at 660-359-3948.
Photo: NCMC student Karen Cisneros