Who am I?

Perhaps I am defined by the fact that, according to the doctors, I was not supposed to be born.

Or perhaps I am defined by the miracle of the fact that I was born.

Perhaps I am defined by my lower/middle class family.

Or perhaps I am defined by my hard-working, supportive family.

It’s a matter of perspective, you see.

Who am I?

am I defined by my dark skin?

After all, that is what I thought when I was little,

surrounded by light skinned people in Spain.

I tried “washing off” my dark skin because it wasn’t socially “cool.”

Who am I?

Am I defined by my Spanish accent?

Do people judge me when they don’t hear perfect English?

Perhaps because I am Latina, I am lazy, a drug addict, and an under achiever.

We often become what people expect of us.

But, am I actually defined by my dark skin, my accent, and my Spanish roots?

I am in a world where I am constantly being shoved down for being not only Hispanic, but a woman.

 I am not lazy. I am not a drug addict. I am not an under achiever.

I am not defined by what you assume I should be.

Who am I?

I am determined.

I was determined to start college at 16 and be ahead by two years.

I am determined to finish my bachelor’s degree by the age of 20.

I am determined to have my master’s by the age of 22.

I am determined to not be determined by this world’s stereotypes.

Who am I?

I am devoted.

I am devoted to my education.

I am devoted to my church.

I am devoted to my family- my true and constant support.

Most of all, I am devoted to God. As I would not know who I am if it weren’t for Him.

Who am I?

I am determined.

I am devoted.

I am ambitious.

I am a proud Hispanic woman.