As the school year winds down and the summer sun starts calling, students and teachers at Holy Cross Academy are prepping for a whole new kind of adventure. Forget about textbooks and campus life—this journey dives deep into cultural heritage and family ties. Lucia Foley, Camila Lock, and Spanish teacher Carmita Jaramillo-Medina, all well-known faces around Holy Cross have spilled the beans on their summer plans. Spoiler alert: it’s a colorful mix of traditions and experiences waiting to unfold in their home countries.
Take Lucia Foley, for instance her, summer is all about heading back to her roots in Spain. Foley is leaving behind the hectic school routine for some peace at her grandmother’s cozy countryside house.
“It’s this tiny place in the middle of nowhere with no internet,” Foley laughed. “But that’s where the real magic happens.”
She cannot wait to dive into family traditions—think lazy afternoons playing card games or cooling off with swims in the pool. She is most excited about the annual family fiesta—generations of family coming together to dance, sing, and feast on mouth-watering paella made by her mom and aunt—a true celebration of Spanish culture wrapped up in love and laughter.
“I am so excited to go back. When I’m in Peru I am my happiest,” Lock stated.
Camila Lock’s summer plans will take her to the enchanting landscapes of Peru, where the tantalizing aroma of chicharrón beckons her home. With a gleam in her eye, Camila expressed her eagerness to indulge in this beloved delicacy, a tradition she faithfully upholds with each visit.
“Chicharrón is my favorite Peruvian food, and yes it is tradition for me to devour it each time I go,” Lock laughed.
Yet it is not just the culinary delights that draw Camila back to her homeland. Inspired by Peru’s breathtaking natural beauty, Camila eagerly anticipates revisiting iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu, drawing inspiration from the majestic Andean landscape. As she prepares to return to campus, Camila plans to bring back a piece of Peruvian culture—a souvenir that captures the essence of her heritage, such as the colorful finger puppets found in local markets. It takes her back to her childhood.
“When I was younger I would beg my mother for this finger puppet and would take it around Peru with me,” Lock shared.
For Jaramillo-Medina summer is a time of reflection and connection—a journey that seamlessly intertwines her roles as both educator and cultural ambassador. She reflected on the profound impact of her cultural heritage on her teaching style.
“I use my culture all the time,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding and respect for diverse traditions in the classroom.
Drawing from her experiences traveling Latin America, Jaramillo-Medina. encourages her students to embrace linguistic and cultural diversity. She intertwines elements of her heritage into every lesson—from grammar exercises to culinary adventures. Yet, amidst the joy of reunion with family, she acknowledges the bittersweet tug of two worlds.
“My life is now here,” she reflected. “But my heart remains rooted in my homeland.”