Hispanic American Heritage month kicked off in the MBNA Career Center last night with music, dancing and a charismatic speech by Elba Santiago LaBonte, former assistant vice president of student affairs at Michigan State University.

Santiago LaBonte spoke about the richness of Latino culture and started her presentation by asking everyone in the crowd of about 75 to give their neighbors a "good ol' Puerto Rican abrazo," or hug.

She told the crowd that hugs are part of the Latino culture because Latin people like to be in close contact with each other.

"Hugs are very good," Santiago LaBonte said. "I recommend at least five a day."

Santiago LaBonte challenged the crowd to think about why they are important assets to the university. She said Penn State is honored to have Latin representation on campus because students are leaders.

"Without you, we have no future," Santiago LaBonte said.

She said knowing history is important to the progress of the future.

"I was in your place in the '50s and '60s," she said. "I marched in every march. I rallied in every rally. I was going to overcome all of the obstacles the world hands us."

Santiago LaBonte said although her generation did not accomplish as much as they had hoped, she is not disappointed.

"I'm not crying about it, and I'm not sad about it," she said. "I'm proud of how far we have come."

Santiago LaBonte also addressed issues of wealth and poverty, asking the crowd to appreciate the struggles of their family members.

She said she was once poor, but she considers herself rich now due to the values she has learned and been able to share with others.

Diana Lopez, president of Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority, in which Santiago LaBonte was a member, said the speaker shared her values well with last night's audience.

"She related and brought the audience in," Lopez said. "She definitely interacted a lot."

Alexander Diaz (freshman-accounting) said he and his friends were interested in hearing Santiago LaBonte's message.

"Latinos have to stick together," he said. "I came to support her and I'm so glad."

Santiago LaBonte's main message urged the crowd to set goals for themselves.

"My mission in life is to leave this earth better," Santiago LaBonte said. "To love and live and laugh and be kind."

She encouraged students to accomplish their missions.

"No one gives it to you, no one owes it to you, but you deserve it," she said. "You deserve to be excellent. Not ordinary, not passing, but extraordinary."