Andy Saenz is a first-year biology major at the University of Michigan on the pre-med track. Raised in Taylor, Michigan, with family roots in Mexico, he finds deep meaning in traditions like playing soccer and sharing a glass of horchata. For Andy, family celebrations are community gatherings filled with fútbol, food, and laughter. Being bilingual has shaped his values, helping him connect across cultures. He believes that welcoming others starts with sharing a meal of authentic homemade Mexican food because in his culture, food speaks louder than words. There's something special in seeing someone smile after tasting a homemade dish. In those moments, language doesn’t matter. To Andy, horchata is more than a sweet drink, it’s a symbol of memory, connection, and belonging. As he pursues a future in medicine, Andy is passionate about exploring how cultural traditions like food can promote both health and a sense of identity.