We sat down with Christopher, a third grader at Achievement First Iluminar Mayoral Academy, to learn more about what Hispanic Heritage Month means to him. Tell us about yourself, Christopher. My family is from the Dominican Republic, and also from Colombia. I like speaking two languages because I get to help Spanish people speak English. What’s your favorite part of being from the Dominican Republic? Speaking Spanish, and the food! My favorite kind of Dominican food is Mangú [mashed plantains], but all the food is really good! What does being Hispanic mean to you? It means being helpful to people that don’t speak English. Also, I can tell people about my country, and they can learn about a place they may have never been. How are you celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at school? Today, we searched the map for the Dominican Republic and learned about the geography and about schools there. Cool! Last question: What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a firefighter because they stop fires. It will be special to be a Hispanic firefighter because I'm Dominican, and I can speak to people who are in trouble that may not speak English and help them stay safe. That sounds like a perfect job since you love helping! Thank you for sharing, Christopher!