The Collegio Pittsburg's student voice since 1916
Related Articles
Hispanics of Today, or HOT, is a Pittsburg State University organization that intends to assist students in developing social, personal, and academic growth by giving them the means to learn about Hispanic culture.
“…(HOT is) an organization that welcomes and assists students with multicultural connections within the PSU campus,” said Carlos Palestino, senior in plastic engineering technology and President of HOT. “Which creates a ‘familia’ like atmosphere that empowers any Latino/a or any other Spanish speaking student on campus that are looking for social, personal, and academic growth, all of which are provided by encouraging good leadership and embracing their rich cultural background in our club meetings or any planned social events hosted by HOT. Some other things that the club does is attend a conference in Chicago called USHLI, create social events, work with other clubs, and help our campus and city community.”
HOT’s meetings take place every two weeks and are held in the Prairie Room, or room 223, of the Overman Student Center. Because the meetings are every two weeks, Palestino said, they sometimes get dinner together as a group.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a first generation student or a second generation student,” Palestino said. “HOT is a great place to make all kinds of personal or career connections that will last a lifetime. A good example of how great the club is, is my brother. My brother was a PSU student and a member of HOT, after he graduated with his bachelors, he still remembers all the great opportunities HOT provided him on campus and off campus while he attended full time.”
In the past, HOT has hosted events like watch parties and discussions, information fairs, and other activities designed to showcase Hispanic culture.
“…With more COVID restrictions being lifted in the fall semester, (we hope to host events in the fall semester),” Palestino said. “HOT is excited to plan some of our traditional events like Hispanic Heritage followed by a night of music, fundraising, movie nights, and even celebrating the famous tradition of the Day of the Dead, which honors our loved ones who aren’t with us but are remembered.”
HOT can be contacted through their Gorilla Engage page.
“…The great experience that students of HOT bring to each event made me aspire to be president of Hispanics of Today,” Palestino said. “Everyone in the club really wants their peers to succeed.”
