GC Latino Students share their story
In his book, MI GENTE: In Search of the Hispanic Soul, Dr. Rafael Falcón describes through bilingual essays “the expatriate’s search for meaning and family in the land that gave him life.” Inspired by this book, students share their own stories in response to the following prompt:
When I look at the mirror, I see …
Cecily Valdez
“I am who I am. I have dark brown hair with hazel eyes. My skin, a pale yellow-white, welcomes me in the American and Mexican cultures.”
Oscar Amaro-Renteria
“When I think of community, I think of the closeness similar to that of family. When I think of community, I think of family members visiting each other during the weekend for breakfast, or lunch, or the in-between brunch.”
Ivette Sifuentes
“The scent of a fresh cut pine tree takes me back to Christmas in Mexico when Tio Lalo and I decorated the tree. Abuelita Anita cooked the night’s feasts as family came and helped set up. The children lit sparklers as Tio Lalo supervised. Older primos y primas danced to the old records of guaracha, boleros, while the younger danced salsa and cumbia. Colorful dresses swung and twirled as the feet of the dancers moved to the rhythm of the songs. All shaped who I was to become.”
Moises Santos
“I come from two different worlds. I feel I can never realize my full potential, representation or meaning because there’s always that other culture I have experienced. I am living in two different cultures. It’s a great experience because I get to learn from both, but I also know how to adapt to either one as needed. And if I choose to live only in one culture, I can do so because I know I have never forgotten where I came from. Cultural experience will forever be ingrained in my life.”
Leanndra Mast
“My reflection: I see a woman, strong, carefree, and insightful. The qualities I have inherited from family will push me to live my life to the fullest.”