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In 1987, Gloria Anzaldúa published the book Borderlands/La Frontera (2016), in which she outlines a research tool she calls autohistoria. This term refers to a type of autobiographical writing used as a primary material for personal and cultural exploration. Autohistoria is characterized by the freedom it offers in using linguistic resources, allowing the participant to narrate their story through various formats such as essays, poetry, proverbs, popular songs, mythical figures, and even images. These elements reveal the unique sociocultural significances of each person, providing a rich and multifaceted representation of their identity and experiences.

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The purpose of my autohistoria and my father's influence 

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The purpose of my autohistoria and my father's influence 

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The purpose of this autohistoria is divided into two: to express my deep gratitude for having my father in my life and to undertake a self-introspection of how the lessons and values he imparted have shaped the person I am today. My father was a hardworking, idealistic, positive, and kind man whose influence has left an indelible mark on my character. Through this narrative, I will explore the numerous ways his unwavering strength, resilience, and courage have guided me, especially during the challenging times. By reflecting on these experiences, I aim to honor his memory and acknowledge the profound impact his example has had on my journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

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A brief introduction to my father's life

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A brief introduction to my father's life

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My father, born on October 20, 1966, in San Martín de Loba, a small town in Bolívar near Cartagena de Indias, grew up in a humble home with seven siblings. Despite the lack of money, he always had what he needed. However, San Martín de Loba offered neither opportunities for growth nor a sustainable living, prompting him to move to Cartagena to pursue his high school education and start a military career.

Starting from scratch, he had to find a place to live and work while studying. His determination and resilience shone through as he managed to survive in this new environment, eventually enrolling in the military. Just when he thought he had found his path in life, he had to abandon his military aspirations to return home. His father, my grandfather Miguel, fell gravely ill, and my father returned to care for him.

This period of my father's life is a testament to his hardworking nature and idealism. Despite the obstacles he faced, his commitment to his family and his willingness to start over from nothing illustrate the strength of character that would later influence my own life profoundly.

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According to Ramos (2021) Territories are areas appropriated by social groups to meet their vital needs, making them more than just land. A Territory can also represent a community, institution, or even a body.

Territories hold historical significance and contribute to people's identities. Individuals form a special connection with their land, co-constructing their identities through their experiences within their Territories. These Territories are integral to who we are as human beings. The diversity of Territories supports intercultural practices, as these practices vary based on the specific Territory in which they occur.

Unlike a technical definition of land, which focuses on its physical and agricultural properties, the concept of Territories highlights the social behaviors and interactions of the communities that inhabit them. Thus, Territories are not merely geographical spaces but social ones, where diverse intercultural practices unfold.

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How growing in Loba influenced my father

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How growing in Loba influenced my father

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Being from San Martín de Loba significantly influenced my father's personality. San Martín de Loba, as his Territory, was not just a geographical location but a foundational element of his identity. Growing up in a humble home with limited financial resources, he developed a strong sense of resilience and resourcefulness. The close-knit community and shared experiences of overcoming adversity in this small town fostered his hardworking nature and deep commitment to family.

The cultural and symbolic aspects of San Martín de Loba shaped his values and outlook on life. The lack of opportunities in his hometown pushed him to seek growth and better prospects in Cartagena, demonstrating his idealism and determination. The historical and social context of his Territory instilled in him a sense of responsibility and the importance of community, which he carried with him throughout his life and passed on to me through his actions and teachings.

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Father's Small Businesses

Throughout the course of his life, my father managed several small businesses, each of which provided unique learning experiences for me.

The Shoe Repair Shop

One of his businesses was a shoe repair shop, where I had a significant role. I would attend to customers, ensuring their needs were met with a friendly and helpful attitude. Additionally, I frequently traveled to the neighborhood of El Restrepo to get jackets, zippers, heels, and shoes fixed. This experience taught me the value of customer service, attention to detail, and the importance of reliability.

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The Restaurant in Quinta de Camacho

My father also owned a restaurant in Quinta de Camacho, specializing in "picadas caqueceñaz." Here, I helped with deliveries and cleaning the kitchen. This experience introduced me to the fast-paced environment of the food industry and the importance of teamwork and efficiency.

In addition to these formal businesses, my father also engaged in non-formal ventures, such as selling second-hand TVs and washing machines. Helping him in these activities involved negotiating with buyers and learning about the value of goods.

But the one he liked the most was being a lawyer. After my grandfather died, he arrive at Bogotá and decided to become what he always wanted, a professional lawyer.

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Throughout his life, my father faced numerous significant challenges in his pursuit of success in various businesses. One of the most profound obstacles was the discrimination he encountered for being a black man from a small town when he moved to Bogotá. This prejudice added an extra layer of difficulty in an already competitive environment, where opportunities were scarce for someone of his background.

Despite this discrimination, my father learned to navigate and cope with such bias, never allowing it to stop him from his goals. He faced a series of setbacks, including job losses and frequent failures in the businesses he started. For instance, he had to close his shoe repair shop due to financial difficulties, and the restaurant he opened in Quinta de Camacho faced numerous operational challenges. Additionally, his ventures in selling second-hand TVs and washing machines did not always yield the expected profits.

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Dealing with my father's death on June 14, 2021, was one of the hardest experiences of my life. He succumbed to COVID-19, and as a daddy's girl, I had to learn how to keep up with life without him. Life goes on, and it does not wait for anyone. Through this painful journey, I learned that we can be present one day and gone the next.

The most difficult part was coping with the absence of his presence. I missed hearing his latest great project or business idea and his always inspiring stories of life. Accepting his death required tremendous emotional effort, which I managed through therapy. Therapy helped me come to terms with the fact that, although he is not with me physically, all the values and lessons he taught me are a way of keeping him with me.

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My father's resilience in the face of adversity greatly influenced my self-confidence and belief in my dreams. Witnessing him confront discrimination and setbacks without giving up taught me the importance of determination and perseverance. His ability to rebound from failure inspired me to adopt a similar mindset, enabling me to overcome my own challenges with hard work and positivity.

His values of perseverance and hard work fueled my ability to balance demanding responsibilities, such as a job and thesis project, with dedication and time management. His determination instilled in me the focus needed to successfully complete my studies.

Following his passing, I stepped into the role of supporting my family emotionally and financially. Drawing from his lessons on resilience, I found the strength to face this difficult time and provide assistance while mourning his absence.

My father's pride in his heritage taught me the importance of embracing my own identity. His refusal to let discrimination diminish his self-worth deeply influenced my acceptance of my skin color, roots, and heritage, empowering me to navigate the world with confidence and dignity.