Led by instructor Sonia San Juan in Spring 2025, students in SPN3948 collaborate with the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program to combine language learning with oral history practices. This interdisciplinary approach has resulted in two powerful student-produced documentaries:
“Hispanic Heroes” features the voices of three Hispanic veterans who bravely served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Their stories reflect service, identity, and pride—honoring the impact of Hispanic communities in shaping American history. This documentary has been selected for inclusion in the Library of Congress as a testament to the relevance and quality of this collective work.
“Rooted in Enterprise” highlights the journeys of three Hispanic entrepreneurs in Florida. Through their stories of creativity, resilience and cultural identity, students explore the role of language, innovation and heritage in shaping community-centered businesses.
Both documentaries will become part of the University of Florida’s permanent archives, celebrating the academic and community-driven contributions of our students.