Taught by family, school, media, society.

I came back from Mexico at 5, Spanish was my only language. Since I was starting school, my mother pressured me to learn English and assimilate in school like my older sister did.

Taught by my mother, family, friends, school, media.

My mother would use me and my sister as translators and when wasn’t able to do it well or quick enough, I’d be scolded. It pressured me to learn quickly, and fully immerse myself in the suburban American culture. I attended predominately white schools, so I’d often be made fun of in class for mispronouncing words.

Taught by friends, school, media.

I was often told I must be smart for a Latina, as I was usually doing well in my classes and helped others in class. I was also casually completed on not having an accent as English wasn’t my first language, and I lived in Mexico for some of my youth.

Taught by family, peers, Mexican culture.

As I attempted to get closer to my roots and reconnect with other Hispanics, I was meet with feelings of not being Mexican enough. I had lost most of my Spanish, since I was using English all of the time at school, work, and with family and friends.

Taught by my sister, friends, therapist, culture, society.

As I learned to accept that I am a work in progress, I was able to pick my Spanish back up. I was forced to be bilingual in some jobs, which helped me grow as a person. Therapy taught me that it’s okay to have a bit of both Mexican and American culture, and that we live in melting pot so I can be one too. As the culture has shifted towards a slightly more positive view in being bilingual, I have come to embrace my identity, and use it to help others.