1 of 5

✨ Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Assignment ✨

Voices of the Past, Lessons for Today

2 of 5

📌 Essay Directions

  • Choose a Quote – Select one quote from the list below (or find your own from a Hispanic leader you admire).
  • Introduce the Quote – Write about who said it and why that person is important.
  • Explain the Meaning – Put the quote into your own words.
  • Connect to Today – Relate the quote to an issue in the U.S. today (immigration, education, equality, community activism, cultural pride, etc.).
  • Reflect – Share how the quote inspires you to take action or think differently.
  • Length: 5+ paragraphs

3 of 5

🌟 Sample Quotes to Choose From

  • César Chávez: “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community.” (Helping your community, teamwork, fairness in schools or jobs.)
  • Dolores Huerta: “Sí, se puede! (Yes, it can be done!)” (Standing up for what’s right, perseverance, activism today.)
  • Sonia Sotomayor: “Until we get equality in education, we won’t have an equal society.” (School equity, access to resources, fair opportunities for all students.)
  • Roberto Clemente: “Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.” (Volunteering, helping others, being a role model in your community.)
  • Selena Quintanilla: “Always believe that the impossible is possible.” (Dreams, goals, self-confidence, representation in media and culture.)

4 of 5

📝 Essay Checklist

  • I introduced the quote and the person who said it.
  • I explained what the quote means in my own words.
  • I connected the quote to a social issue in the U.S. today.
  • I shared my own reflection on how the quote inspires me.
  • My essay is 5+ paragraphs long.

5 of 5

✨ Final Reminder

  • This is your chance to connect powerful words from Hispanic leaders to the world you live in today. Be thoughtful, be honest, and let your voice shine!