Nancy Yanez 
Coordinator II, Admissions & Outreach

Nancey Yanez is a first-generation college graduate and is now an admissions coordinator for the LSC-University Park Admissions & Outreach department, helping students find their path to success through education.

1. What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
What it means to me is that we (our culture) are celebrated and honored. I am proud to be Hispanic and tell people about my background. 

2. Why is it important that we celebrate Hispanic culture?
It is important that we celebrate Hispanic culture because I feel like many people do not know about Hispanic culture, and it should be something that is embraced and taught to everyone. 

3. Does your heritage allow you to bring a different perspective to your classes, campus activities, or academic work? 
Yes, I believe it allows me to bring a different perspective because in El Salvador education is rare. My parents did not graduate and only went to the second and third grades. I am the first one in my family to graduate from high school and college. I brought a new perspective to my parents and sisters. This semester, my younger sister has started college here at Lone Star College-University Park, and I am so proud of her. 

4. What challenges have you overcome as a Hispanic?
One of the challenges I have overcome is the statistic of someone like me attending a university and receiving my bachelor’s degree. In the Hispanic community, college is not discussed a lot since sometimes the expectations are that you will graduate high school and go work with your dad or mom or go straight to the workforce. I have a career here at LSC-University Park, and I am so happy to show my sisters that you can do it no matter the obstacles when you put your mind and dedication to it. It was not easy being the first to attend the University of Houston-Downtown, but I thank God I never gave up no matter how much I wanted to throw in the towel. I wanted something better for myself and to make my parents proud.   

5. “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope” is this year’s HHM theme. What does this theme mean to you?
It means that there is hope for my people. I believe that we can make a difference and are making a difference. We are breaking generational habits and expectations. I am happy to see more Hispanics graduate and think about attending college. I love my job because I can be a window to the students and parents who have questions about college. 

6. What is your “six-word story” in relation to your Hispanic heritage?
My six-word story would be Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it. Because this is exactly what I did. 

For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month at LSC-Univeristy Park, go to LoneStar.edu/UPHispanicHeritageMonth.