In a typical year, students in Spanish 102 would create altars, known as ofrendas, for the Day of the Dead, a holiday celebrated in Mexico and many other Latin American countries to commemorate the lives of loved ones. These meaningful tributes to deceased friends, family members, and figures of renown would normally fill the first-floor hallway of Southwestern Hall, where students, faculty, and staff are invited to view the ofrendas decorated with photos, handmade objects, favorite foods, and memorabilia.
Spanish 102 students, under the instruction of Professor Nora Jabbour, have continued Rhodes’ tradition of observing the Day of the Dead by creating these offerings in their own homes, adding a layer of meaning and importance during this time of separation. The students’ work can be viewed on the Rhodes College Language Learning Center Facebook page, where students also have shared anecdotes and fond memories of their loved ones.
By Grace Merriman ’21