Shining a light on Duplin’s Latinos

Q&A with Fabian Vega, James Sprunt Community College Workforce Development Coordinator

As part of Duplin Journal’s Q&A, which shines a light on Latinos whose service and dedication make a difference in our community, we invited Fabian Vega to join us and share a bit about his roots.

Vega serves as a Workforce Development Coordinator and Continuing Education instructor at James Sprunt Community College. His programs include Spanish and English electrical, medical interpreter, and plumbing.

Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity?

I was born and raised in Mexico, so I try to go back at least once a year to visit my family and friends who are still there. Even though I’ve lived here more than half my life, I still follow many Mexican traditions here to teach my children and keep our culture alive.

What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?

While attending school in Mexico up to fifth grade, we learned a lot about our history and what it took for us to gain our independence; considering what my people went through, it’s something to be proud of, especially because a lot of the events that led up to that freedom happened in the state where I come from.

What is your driving force?

Primarily my family and seeing the number of Hispanics who attend James Sprunt Community College trying to better themselves, even when there may be a language barrier.

What has your experience been like growing up within the Hispanic community?

It has been a learning experience with different cultural identities. It’s amazing to see the differences in the various cultures and beliefs.

What has been the biggest change/challenge that you had to overcome as a Latino?

My biggest challenge to overcome, besides the language barrier, was having to prove myself to people because I am Mexican.

What is something you wish people would understand more about Latinos?

That our roots are sacred to us and that we are very family-oriented.

What traditions do you still practice that are connected to your heritage?

There are several that I still follow. Where I am from, the Day of the Dead is vastly celebrated, so I try to keep that tradition going.