In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to celebrate some of the people who have contributed to our ever-changing and growing community. We asked some of our Hispanic Heritage staff to tell us their stories and share some of the lessons they’ve learned over the years.
MONIQUE ARANDA
Director of Member Services, Management Support
she/her
How would you describe your cultural identity?
Oh wow, my cultural identity? I identify as a cis, straight, able-bodied Mexican-American with Italian roots.
Who is your biggest influence and why?
My biggest influence is my parents. I could fill the entire internet with reasons why they are my biggest influences, but here’s the short and sweet answer.
My mother is the most generous person I have ever met. I hope I end up like her when I’m older, it would be an honor.
My dad is the most motivated man, we always say we are a bunch of Mexicans because of my dad. When I get down or feel like I’m trying too hard, I think of my dad, pick myself up and move forward. If he can come to the United States in his 20s and achieve an American dream, I can do anything.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the past year?
Many say 2020 was a dumpster fire (and it was), but there were so many positives along the way. The biggest lesson I learned this year is to not take life for granted. 2020 really made you sit with yourself, literally, at home…with your thoughts and those of those around you.
I am grateful for my family and friends, my good health, my living conditions, the company I work for and the members who have supported us.
What kind of advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Ha! Where to start…? How about you invest your money wisely.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Celebrate tradition, culture, family stories, recipes and listen to my Abuelo’s favorite mariachi songs.
What is the thing you are most proud of?
Raising a toddler while simultaneously working during a pandemic (which fluctuated like the wind), all without childcare. I know there are many of us. YOU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB!
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is making people’s days better, whether it’s my colleagues or customers, I love it. I can’t please everyone but when I do :).
MARIO GUILLEN
Manager at Hollywood Boulders
he/him
How would you describe your cultural identity?
I would identify as Hispanic.
Who is your biggest influence and why?
My biggest influence would have to be my grandparents. They were hardworking, honest and loving people and I try to carry these traits with me in my personal and professional life.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the past year?
How to be uncomfortable. This past year has been difficult for everyone. Learning to deal with discomfort, accept it and overcome it is priceless.
What kind of advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Don’t worry about what others think of you. Focus on discovering who you are and accepting it.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Rather, Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder to be grateful for my roots. Being grateful to my family. Being proud of my culture and traditions that have shaped who I am.
What is the thing you are most proud of?
Never give up on my aspirations. This motivation led me to where I am today.
What is the best part of your job?
For most of us, the gym is our second home. Being able to create a community and make everyone feel welcomed in this space. This is by far the best part of my job.
MARIE GARRINGER
Manager at MetalMark
she/her
How would you describe your cultural identity?
I consider myself a Hispanic with traditional Mexican customs. My father is from Mexico and my mother is from Texas.
Who is your biggest influence and why?
My parents. My father helped support his family when they came from Mexico. He left school in 6th gradeth just to help feed his family of 9. Since he was the eldest, he helped his father feed the family, buy clothes, provide housing, etc. He taught me to work hard, to treat others the way I want to be treated, to take nothing for granted, to work hard and you can be anything you want and don’t let anyone tell me otherwise. My mother taught me to be kind, to accept everyone and not to judge people. She taught me that family was the most important thing in life.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the past year?
Don’t be judgmental and be more patient.
What kind of advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Learn to relax! To this day I still can’t relax or sit still. This is something I wish I had learned when I was younger. I was taught “an idle body is an idle mind.”
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Brings awareness and recognition of the contributions Latin people have made to this country. It is a month to celebrate our history, culture and customs inherited from our ancestors.
What is the thing you are most proud of?
That I am still physically fit and healthy. I am a cancer survivor and had a positive attitude throughout my procedures.
What is the best part of your job?
Working with a great group of people and a great community. Working for Touchstone is the best job I’ve ever had.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
So that everyone gets along and is kind to each other. I know it’s not a power, but if I had the power to “zap” people so that there is no discrimination of any kind, so that everyone can get along and be nice towards each other, that would be great!