In honor of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, North Central Missouri College spotlights student Josue Noyola. Josue is from the Dominican Republic; his hometown is San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic. Josue is taking courses to complete his AA, Associate in Arts degree, and studying business. After graduating from NCMC, Josue will transfer to earn a bachelor's degree and hopes one day to be a baseball coach.

Josue said about his heritage, "In the Dominican Republic, the hospitality and food are really great. We always try to have the best attitude. The DR can sometimes not be the best place to live, but we always try to make the best of everything and have a positive mindset." Josue said, "my favorite tradition is how we celebrate Easter. We have sweet beans, and that's my favorite dessert from my country. Only Dominicans make that."

When asked how he shares his culture with others, Josue said, "I talk about my life in the DR and our stories about how we try to have fun, even when things are bad. I always talk about food and my family. My Dominican family loves each other, and we are always together."

At NCMC, Josue is an athlete on the NCMC Pirates baseball team and a member of the International Student Club. Josue chose NCMC to play baseball; it was the best higher education option for him out of high school. "I enjoy the environment at NCMC," said Josue. "The small campus is like a family, and all the students have a good relationship with each other." Josue's favorite classes are those with Instructor Sarah Bird.

National Hispanic and Latinx Month is observed from September 15 until October 15 and celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of individuals and their ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/.

North Central Missouri College recognizes, uplifts, and amplifies the voices of Hispanic and Latinx students and celebrates their heritage. To learn more about NCMC's Diversity and Inclusion efforts, visit https://www.ncmissouri.edu/ or contact NCMC at 660-359-3948.