FIT HLX

A Letter from the Instructor:

Welcome to Charlotte!  

I would like to share with you some of my personal story. I am a first-generation college student, an immigrant, and an adult learner of English. I am originally from San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina. I earned my first degree at Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina. I moved to Charlotte in 2005 and started teaching Spanish at UNC Charlotte in 2008 as a graduate teaching assistant while working on my M.A. in Spanish and, at the same time learning English. 15 years later, I am still here, connecting students with the community, professional resources, and other opportunities. 

It was very challenging to navigate the system back then; I felt lost many times and was unsure who to ask for help. I didn´t understand acronyms or the college language. Sometimes, I wasn´t sure how to find specific information or what to ask to get the information. I was always working and had little time for socializing or relaxing. Because of my lack of academic English, I had to study twice or three times as much, and I felt behind and, at times, inadequate. There were many resources available, but I just didn´t know. And this is why I want to welcome you!

Many students may feel overwhelmed during the first semester and feel alone or that they don´t belong. As a result, they do not reach their potential in the semester, which adds more stress. This Intensive program will help you succeed in college this fall and in all your classes here at UNC Charlotte. You will work hard, be challenged, and not be left behind. 

Susana Cisneros, Pronouns: she, her, ella                                                                                               Senior Lecturer in Spanish    

Miguel Quinteros

Hello, my name is Miguel Quinteros! I am a Junior from Hudson, North Carolina. I am a first-generation student here at UNC Charlotte and I am majoring in Spanish with a minor in Latin American Studies and Foreign Language Education K-12. 

Being a part of the Latino community in Charlotte means the world to me. I love being a part of something that makes me feel included with a large group of people. Through this community, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of and experiences that are beyond anything I could have ever imagined. 

The reason I wanted to be a peer mentor for HLX was because of my own personal experience being a part of the group before my first-year here at Charlotte. It gave me a feel of what my college experience would look like for me and got me comfortable with the idea of starting off college on a positive note. I want to be able to provide advice for incoming first year students and help them get used to the flow of college so they are set and ready for their first year here at UNC Charlotte. 

Mayerli Hernandez

Junior 2nd semester 

Hi! I’m Mayerli Hernandez, a sophomore studying Social Work with a minor in Spanish. I’m from Gastonia, North Carolina, and I am proud to be a first-generation college student. I’m excited about combining my social justice and cultural understanding interests as I continue my academic journey.

Being part of the Latino community at UNC Charlotte is truly fulfilling. It’s wonderful to connect with others who share my background and to feel a strong sense of support. This community enhances my college experience and plays a significant role in my identity. 

I want to be a peer mentor for the FIT HLX program because I know how challenging and exciting starting college can be. I’m eager to support new students by sharing my experiences and offering guidance to help them transition smoothly and feel welcome. As someone who did the FIT program in my first year, I learned I was not alone in starting college life and got to meet new students like myself and became less scared and more comfortable and excited for the school year. I’m passionate about making the college experience smoother and more enjoyable for new students so they can feel ready for their first year at UNC Charlotte!