Cultura
The Latino Center of the Midlands is a place where being Latino, Latina, or Latinx is celebrated. We’re a community center where culture thrives; a place where the door is open to everyone. Our community comes from many different countries and we created this page to celebrate that diversity.
Cultural Spotlight
I was born in Crookston, Minnesota, but after my father passed, my mom gathered up all 9 of my siblings and moved us to Omaha, Nebraska. I have lived here ever since. My roots are Irish and French, two cultures known for great storytelling, good food, and flair! My great-grandfather left Ireland as a 14-year-old orphan, while my father’s family was kicked out of France and left to live in Holland. Faith was the foundation of my mom’s world. All 9 of us went to Mass almost every morning until I rebelled. One of my brothers became a priest, my aunts were nuns, and another brother served as a lay missioner in Peru. I love a good story, a good meal, and good company. And if the story improves with a little creative liberty—well, that’s just part of the fun!
James Demott
ESL Instructor
Sayings and Slang
A llorar al cuartito – Go cry in the room (Uruguay)
This expression is commonly used by parents to emphasize that their word is final and cannot be disputed.
Cómo peto en refresco de mocochinchi – Like a bug on a mocochinchi (Bolivia)
An expression used when someone goes in circles many times.
Tato – Everything’s good (Dominican Republic)
Derived from “Está todo” , which means everything is fine. It is a common response to the question “¿Como estas?” (How are you?).
Los choos – The shoes (Spanglish)
Most of our staff are bilingual, and at our office, you’ll hear a variety of Spanglish words. The correct word in Spanish is Zapatos o Tenis.
– Ponte los choos, ¡vamos a por nieve!
– Put your shoes on, we’re getting ice cream!
Trailblazer
Ana Maria Rey (Ph.D.) | Theoretical Physicist
Ana Maria Rey is a theoretical physicist and professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, pioneering breakthroughs in quantum science. A JILA Fellow since 2012 and an NIST Fellow since 2017, she has transformed quantum simulations, redefined atomic clocks, and advanced dark matter detection. Recognized with the MacArthur “Genius Grant” and the Blavatnik National Award, Rey is shaping the future of quantum technology. In 2023, she was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences and became co-director of JILA’s Physics Frontiers Center. With relentless curiosity and drive, she continues to push the boundaries of quantum physics, inspiring the next era of discovery!
