Santa Fe College Saint Sergio Mejia poses for a photo on the track he is out and about with his children in Gainesville, FL. (Photo by Matt Stamey / Santa Fe College)
“I want my daughters to have access to knowledge, to appreciate the cheerful culture and traditions of the Nicaraguan people, and to recognize the multi-faceted history of struggle and instability on which the traditions are based.
When I was 12 I left Diriamba, Nicaragua in the mid-80s as a political refugee. My family was in danger due to the growing hostility of the Contra War and militarization in our region. A family member was murdered on the basis of anti-government rumors from neighbors that association put us at risk. Given the potential for losing their children, my parents left their homes in search of a safe haven in the United States.
Nicaragua is rich in diverse culture, influences are a mixture of Spaniards, indigenous people and Caribbean islanders. Spanish is spoken in most parts of Nicaragua, but along the Atlantic coast, Afro-Antillean communities speak English or some form of Jamaican Creole. This region celebrates Rasta music, dreadlocks, and traditions adopted by these descendants of the Jamaican and Dominican slave trade. Throughout Nicaragua, their culture is rich in folklore, morals, and stories that go along with history. I think a lot of countries in Central America and South America have it, but because I grew up there, I feel more connected to the stories I remember from my childhood.
For example, the festival of San Sebastian is a 10 day celebration that is rooted in a mixture of historical events and religious influence. As part of the celebrations, a traditional masked street performance combining music, dance and theater called El Toro Huaco speaks about the history and turmoil of the conflict over gold in the region. This is just one example of the many street performances and rituals that are performed during San Sebastian each year.
I have visited Nicaragua several times over the past 20 years. The first time I was 17 or 18, I stayed with my uncle. He showed me around and emphasized how things had changed in the years since we left. Poverty was visible everywhere. Children who weren’t much younger than me then ran around like zombies. He pointed out a stick of glue in her hand and explained that the children would sniff it to get high and forget their hunger. It was then that I realized that any of these children could be me. The effect of such a moment can only really be felt and understood in the flesh.
Every time I visit them now, I try to bring something to share, like small toys or something to give to the street kids. It’s not much, but it brings a little smile at that moment.
Right after my first daughter was born, when I first held her, I knew I had to set an example for her. I had to purposefully lead them to experiences that would improve and promote their understanding of the world. This also includes bringing them to Nicaragua one day to experience the culture up close. It also meant completing my bachelor’s degree and learning to understand the blueprint for building bridges to college.
I am very grateful and grateful to my parents, they were wonderful providers and protectors. But they didn’t have the knowledge to give me this blueprint for success in America after high school. They didn’t know how to lay the foundations to get me to college or get me financial help.
So far I’ve taken classes here and there, but when life gets complicated or I was too thin, I stopped. Now with two daughters, I owe it to them to pull it off.
There i am now. I expect to graduate from Santa Fe College in the spring of 2023. There is no rush, but I have to do it for you. I hope to set a good example for them by showing them that making your dreams a reality is not impossible, it only requires determination, patience and focus. ”
– Sergio Mejia, SF student in organizational management
Hear Sergio talk about his experience on a virtual exchange program at SF amid the Covid-19 pandemic on the Developing Global Citizens podcast series.
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