Did you know that, with 19% of the population, Hispanics are the second-largest racial or ethnic group in the nation? (Decennial Census). 

Because of this, several types of reports on this population will start to make it clearer how such students impact and stimulate different school-related activities. This week’s post features an interview with a volleyball player from Cypress Creek High School. 

Nelian Castro Santana (26′) from San Juan, Puerto Rico. At age 6, she started playing sports, inspired by her mother, who played the same sport as her entire family. Nelian moved to United States when she was ten years old, and she straightaway began playing volleyball. Nelian said that even though continuing the sport at Cypress Creek has been a wonderful experience, there were times when she missed her family and didn’t feel at home. It is important to emphasize how playing volleyball helped her in learning English and making new friends. 

Nelian plays both attack and defense as the varsity team’s number 10 player. 

Finally, I asked Nelian how she might positively impact the Latino population at school. She replied that she could share with other students about the methods used in her native country to help the volleyball team perform greater. 

She also said that her sport is the best and that she encourages you to make friends and give your all. 

It is evident that the Latino population at our school is expanding, therefore it matters to keep showcasing all their positive traits. Latino upbringing encourages us to put forth more effort in regardless of what we do.