Aricia Rodrigues

Although it is located and surrounded by Hispanic countries, Brazil is the only nation in Latin America that speaks Portuguese instead of Spanish allowing senior Aricia Rodrigues to say that she is one of the few Latino, but not Hispanic, students on campus.

“Most people think we speak Brazilian in Brazil,” Rodrigues said. “They think we all have dark skin complexions too.”

Along with the color of her skin being a common misconception, Rodrigues believes there are other factors that people believe set Brazilian culture apart from others.

“It’s common for people to think that [we] all have big butts and can samba,” Rodrigues said.

Although being surrounded by the Brazilian culture in her own home, Rodrigues has adapted to the American culture and relates to is at closely as her Latino heritage.

“I think because I’m so used to the culture and the way American people are, I don’t really have an odd feeling being so surrounded by white people,” Rodrigues said.

But aside from what others believe and being born and raised in the United States, Rodrigues still finds a way to embrace her culture at home alongside her family members.

“I think that because I was born and raised here in the U.S. I am well assimilated to the [American] culture,” Rodrigues said. “But, my family does eat a lot of Brazilian food at home like ‘feijoada’ and ‘brigadeiro’.”

Being taught Portuguese from a young age, Rodrigues believes that is has taught her to have an open mind to other cultures along with setting her future up for success.

“[I] can relate to other culture by knowing another language,” Rodrigues said. “But I also think that it can be really helpful in a professional, workplace environment.”

Having lived in Brazil for two and a half years, acquiring problem solving skills and learning to adopt a new way of life was common grounds for Rodrigues.

It was pretty difficult at the beginning because I didn’t know the language and their culture was pretty different to what I was accustomed to,” Rodrigues said. “But I definitely think in the long run living in a foreign culture really [opened] my eyes to new ideas and cultures.”

Accepting her culture and background, Rodrigues feels a stronger connection to her family through her Latin culture and believes it sets her apart as an individual.

“Being Latina makes me feel so much closer to my mom,” Rodrigues said. “I’m so proud to be Latina because it makes me feel unique and special in certain ways.”

Although she is proud of the culture that she comes from, Rodrigues believes she is very fortunate to live in the United States, a first world country.

“I think I’m very fortunate and blessed to grow and live in the US,” Rodrigues said. “But It also has made me so much more grateful for the things that I have today.”