UCF Celebrate Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month Posted Friday, October 15, 2021 @ 3:52 PM Yaire Matos Cruz moved to the United States at only 18 months old, yet her Puerto Rican heritage is prevalent in everything that she does. “Puerto Ricans are so filled with pride on where we come from,” she stated, “we’re known for being obnoxiously proud and showing off our flag. However, that comes from a place of knowing that we are now able to do so.” Many people may not know that the Puerto Rican flag was outlawed for many years. Throughout history, the only flags Puerto Ricans could use to represent themselves were the Spanish flag from 1492-1898, and then the American flag from 1898 until 1952. While Yaire doesn’t visit the island very often, she does love meeting and connecting with family. On her most recent trip, she was able to meet her two little sisters for the first time. Born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, Yaire is a huge fan of arroz con gandules (rice and beans), a staple in her culture. During the holiday season she can also be found drinking coquito, a sort of coconut-based Puerto Rican “eggnog”. Yaire loves the music, food, and hospitality that most Hispanics hold for others. However, Yaire shares that it’s not always a positive journey. “Being Hispanic, we have to work extra hard to get to where we want to be. We are a part of a community that is oftentimes overlooked and ignored.” And while there may always be trials and tribulations, Yaire added “I will say that being Puerto Rican has allowed for me to connect on a deeper level with many Hispanic residents and has allowed for them to be more comfortable talking to me.” Back