The Hispano Club

“There is a necessity for connection and I’m passionate about connecting people.”
Andrea Balcazar

Initially started two years ago, the Humber Hispano Club is an opportunity for community and guidance during your post-secondary studies. It’s more than a club; it’s a space to connect with others who you could have a lot more in common than you think, a place to build friendships and a resource to turn to for academic and career advice.

Meet Andrea Balcazar

Picture of Andrea Balcazar crossing her arms. — *Picture provided by Andrea Balcazar*

Andrea Balcazar first arrived in Canada in 2008 — she wasn’t exactly intending to move here initially. After some time passed by, she decided to begin her post-secondary journey in Canada, leaving everything and everyone she knew from Mexico behind.

She went to culinary school, then obtained a degree in business administration and hospitality management. Balcazar eventually moved to British Columbia for some time but Toronto remained her “hometown.” After moving back to Toronto, she decided to enroll in Humber Polytechnich’s post-grad human resources management program.

“I am fascinated with my program,” Balcazar said. “When I started the first semester, I was like, ‘Latino people, where are they?’”

Between classes, Balcazar overheard a few students speaking Spanish in the washrooms and this would be her introduction to Nathalia Cortes, the now former president of the Hispano Club. Eventually, the club ran an election for its new president, and Balcazar won the votes.

“[Cortes] did an amazing job creating the community,” Balcazar said. “Now we have to turn it into a more solidified community.”

Among 25 volunteers leading the club, Balcazar says there is an equal effort in planning what students might need. Balcazar plans to host workshops to help students build a resume, where to look for jobs and how to apply for different positions. She explains that it’s also a space where students can learn and be reassured of their rights as students. It’s also a support system in the transition of understanding a new country’s culture.

Student and career success is important to Balcazar. The club collaborates with different people within different industries to provide networking and learning opportunities for students.

“We have [connected with] someone who works at a bank, he’s from Colombia,” she said. “He’s going to come and talk about what his experience as an international student and how he got the job.”

Show up and connect

Animation of Homer Simpson patting down on a seat beside him, with the text "Join Us" on the bottom of the image. — *Via GIPHY*

If your worry is that you won’t know anyone at a club’s event, Balcazar encourages students to just show up because you really don’t know much you could have in common with others.

Balcazar says living in Canada for over 15 years now has given her the experience to help students navigate living in a new country. Her goal is to support students through the nerve-wracking situations that can be difficult to deal with on your own.

“I moved here when there was no WhatsApp, no Facebook, none of these things that we have right now,” she said. “There is a necessity for connection and I’m passionate about connecting people.

IGNITE Clubs Fair

Students crowding around a table at club fair — *Picture by IGNITE*

Among the Hispano Club, there are a ton more clubs you can join!

The IGNITE Clubs Fair is not only an opportunity to learn more about the variety of IGNITE clubs but also to meet new friends and even initiate a conversation about a club you’d like to start!

The fair will be on Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. There will be events at both the IGNITE Student Centre (KX202) at the North campus and on the second floor of the L building at the Lakeshore campus.

There is no pre-registration required if you are new to IGNITE clubs. If you are currently a member of a club, you will have to register in advance to attend.

Student writing on a piece of paper on a table at the clubs fair. — *Picture by IGNITE*

IGNITE Clubs are a great opportunity for students to connect with others. Whether it’s a club that brings you together to share a passion for art or a club to learn more about each other’s culture, there is a spot for you.

If you’re unsure which club you should join, make sure to step on over at this year’s Club Fair. You may be a club’s newest member!

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE.

Are you interested in joining the Hispano Club? You can contact them at [email protected].