Leonardo Rodrigo, a first-year Master of Business Administration student at Palm Beach Atlantic University, is drawing on his Ecuadorian roots while studying 3,000 miles from home. Originally from Guayaquil, one of Ecuador’s oldest cities known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” Rodrigo has been reflecting on how his heritage shapes his experience in the United States.
Rodrigo describes Guayaquil as a city that blends historical architecture with modern development and industry. He highlights the importance of food and communal celebrations in coastal Ecuadorian culture. His favorite dish is guatita, a stew made with tripe considered Ecuador’s national dish. He also enjoys fanesca, a soup prepared exclusively for Good Friday during Easter. For Rodrigo, sharing these foods with family or community members makes them even more meaningful.
“These traditions remind me of the joy, warmth, and closeness of my coastal Ecuadorian heritage,” says Rodrigo.
He recalls growing up with Caraval, a festival characterized by water fights, parades, music, and laughter. The celebration merges Catholic traditions with pre-Hispanic rituals and customs to honor Ecuador’s diverse cultural influences. Rodrigo points out that Latin American cultures are often mistakenly viewed as homogeneous; however, he notes significant diversity within Ecuador itself due to varying indigenous, Hispanic, and Afro-Ecuadorian influences across regions.
Since arriving in the United States, Rodrigo has observed differences between American culture and that of his homeland. In Ecuador, life revolves around family and community connections; in contrast, he finds American society places greater emphasis on productivity and personal achievement. Navigating both environments has helped him balance his sense of community with individual goals.
Rodrigo believes representing one’s culture abroad comes with both responsibility and pride. “Be proud of where you come from,” says Rodrigo. “Even if you live abroad, don’t forget the traditions and values that shaped you. They are your strength and your identity.”
