Hispanic Heritage Month

Ralph Guerra is PC’s first Hispanic student body president.

A member of the Class of 2024, Ralph is majoring in political science and history with a minor in pre-law. 

A native of Hialeah, Fla., Ralph and his family relocated to Rock Hill, S.C., where he was conscious of his ethnic identity moving from a place where there are many Hispanics to a place where there are fewer. This consciousness evolved into action.

“I knew I wanted to focus on increasing opportunities for Hispanic students at PC,” he said. “I became heavily involved around campus to be an example for others that Hispanic students at PC can be represented and involved everywhere on campus.” 

The senior Student Government Association president is involved in multiple organizations and holds a plethora of leadership roles. Guerra’s activities also include: student ambassador, orientation leader, the South Carolina Student Legislature (SCSL) President of the Senate, treasurer of the PLSC Club, and lieutenant commander of Sigma Nu. 

Ralph identifies his goal for his final year at PC as “ensuring that our Blue Hose community is inclusive of everyone and that I am not the last in my position.”

Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, and raised in Greenville, Gabby Brinez-Pardo is a member of the Class of 2025 with majors in English and history and minors in business and women and gender Studies. 

 At PC, she serves as the vice president of Alpha Alpha Alpha, an honor society for first-generation college students; as vice president of Visions of Women; as an orientation leader, and as a Stirling.  

In her free time, Gabby enjoys reading, baking, and playing with her dog, Burger. 

As a native Colombian, Brinez-Pardo hopes to express how richly diverse her country is.

“The majority of Colombians are descended from indigenous peoples, African people brought to Colombia as slaves, and European settlers, dating back to when Colombia was a Spanish colony,” she said. 

She is a descendant of both Spanish settlers and indigenous people, signified by her last name “Pardo” which she says, “literally translates to ‘mixed-blood,’ even though I am now at least five generations removed from my Indigenous and Spanish ancestry.”

A native of Heredia, Costa Rica, Jose Gabriel Gutierrez Cordero is pursuing a degree in business administration while fulfilling his duties as a midfielder for PC’s men’s soccer team. 

In the first game, the freshman put up one goal, two assists, and two shots on goal. In his free time, Jose enjoys playing ping pong, pool, and the piano while listening to music or dancing. 

Regarding the Costa Rican culture, Jose mentions the elaborate, traditional ghost stories and legends in addition to the typical dishes.

Claudia Sánchez handpicked PC because it allowed her to pursue an amazing career on the Blue Hose women’s tennis team, while also providing a rigorous education in pursuit of her goal to someday own a sports nutrition clinic.

The native of Betera, Valencia, Spain enjoys an active lifestyle outside the classroom by trying new sports with her friends. On the court, Claudia tied with a team-high eight singles victories last spring at the number two spot in the Blue Hose lineup.  

Claudia describes how distinct the American culture is from that of her own country: For example, when going out to eat, Spain provides less efficient options and more restaurants with terraces. When together for a meal, it is more common for groups to stay longer time and just discuss different aspects of life. 

Lastly, and maybe the most obvious, Spaniards pursuing college degrees dress more professionally and formally for everyday classes, while Americans make comfort a priority. Claudia said this last difference is great when she is in the States!

Valentina De Sousa is a nationally-ranked tennis player from Caracas, Venezuela, and a member of the Blue Hose women’s tennis team. 

A business administration major, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and baking traditional Venezuelan desserts. What she misses most about home are arepas – a common dish that comes in approximately 80 varieties and features fried flat bread filled with various meats and cheeses.

Javier Matos enjoys playing padel – a game that combines elements of tennis and squash – and hanging out with friends when on campus.

He decided to come to PC for its ability to provide a professional stepping stone and also for an environment and stunning campus that provides relaxing places to study and learn. 

A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Javier played an integral role in helping the Blue Hose Men’s tennis team capture the Big South Tournament title and a share of the Big South regular-season title which earned the team a bid to the NCAA Tournament last spring. He is also earned second team singles and second team doubles All-Big South honors for the season. 

In the classroom, Javier is pursuing a business degree with a double concentration in data analytics and management. Of his culture, Javier notes that Venezuela is both the richest and poorest country in South America, where no matter what time of day (breakfast, lunch, dinner), arepas are always a viable meal option.