Every year, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a time to honor and celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities across the United States.
At Front Range Community College, we take this opportunity to reflect on the strength and diversity of our students, alumni, faculty and staff who identify as Hispanic, Latino/a/x and more.
To celebrate this month, we’re spotlighting a member of our FRCC community whose story highlights the power of identity and community—Marsus Merino, a proud FRCC alumna and first-generation college graduate.
“My culture is my strength, not something to hide.”
Marsus Merino is a trailblazer in her family.
“I’m a proud Mexican Latina and the first in my family to go to college,” she says. “Growing up in a lower middle-class, mixed-status household came with a lot of challenges… Being first-generation meant I was the one filling out financial aid forms, trying to understand college applications and balancing all that while helping out at home.”
“By my senior year of high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I just knew I wanted an education—but without putting myself or my family into debt.”
Finding Her Path at FRCC
That’s what led her to FRCC. It was affordable and close to home. But what she found was more than just an education.
“Once I got there, I realized it wasn’t just about taking classes. FRCC gave me community and support,” she explains.
“I felt like I belonged in college and that made all the difference to continue my education.”
A Supportive Learning Community
After graduating, Marsus worked with TRIO Upward Bound (UB), an experience that helped her discover her passion for advocacy and social work.
The FRCC TRIO UB Program is a supportive learning community to empower Westminster High School students and their families with navigating college and career pathways. It provides students the opportunity to receive academic support and individualized coaching with college counselors and instructors and mentors and earn a stipend for investing in their personal and professional growth.
A Chance to Give Back
“Working with TRIO gave me the chance to give back to students walking similar paths. I saw myself in them—the uncertainty, the hope, the determination. That’s when I realized how much representation matters,” she says.
She helped students fill out FAFSA forms and navigate college decisions. That experience opened her eyes to the struggles some students face and inspired her to pursue a career in social work.
“Sometimes just having someone there who understands your story can change everything.”
Carrying Her Story to the US Capitol
Marsus’s commitment to uplifting others extends to policy and leadership. One of her proudest achievements has been interning in Washington, DC, in the office of Colorado Senator Michael Bennet.
“I got to work on immigration and education policy issues that directly affect me, my family and my community… Walking the halls of the Capitol as a young Latina and first-generation college student, I carried my story with me every day,” she says.
“Even when I felt out of place, I reminded myself: my story prepared me for this. And by showing up authentically, I was holding space for others to do the same.”
“What My Culture Means to Me”
For Marsus, Hispanic Heritage Month is deeply personal.
“For me, this month is about honoring my parents and everything they sacrificed so I could have more opportunities… Over time, I learned that my culture is my strength, not something to hide,” she says.
“It’s a chance to show that we belong in every space we walk into. And to carry our culture with pride.”
Staying Connected to Her Roots
Whether through planning events at FRCC or simply speaking Spanish with students and families, Marsus makes it a point to bring her culture into her professional life.
“Culture deserves a place in education,” she says. “Students shouldn’t have to leave their heritage at the door. They should bring it with them.”
And her journey is just getting started. She plans to pursue a Master of Social Work and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, working in school settings to support students like herself.
Hispanic Heritage Month Events
This month, FRCC is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with events happening across all three of our campuses. Visit our website calendar for more details.
Kickoff Events
Larimer Campus
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
4616 Shields St in Fort Collins—Larimer Campus Quad
Westminster Campus
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
3645 W. 112th Avenue in Westminster, Entrance 3
Boulder County Campus
September 18, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
2121 Miller Drive in Longmont—Classroom Building Parking Lot
