My Social Identity- Race by

Beginning

emily_bahena — 2024-04-17 14:18:37 UTC

I am Mexican, and I was born on March 1st 1999. First generation college student.

Childhood

emily_bahena — 2024-04-17 14:25:06 UTC

At the age of 5 I was starting to understand what it was like to have "illegal" parents. For my 5th birthday, I spent my birthday without my parents because they were in the middle of crossing what is known as the "boarder".

School Years

emily_bahena — 2024-04-17 14:31:05 UTC

Throughout my school years, I struggled to understand the language. Neither of my parents could understand and help me with assignments, and I struggled in school. Many of my classmates had parents who would be able to help them, and they were fluent English speakers. Often i would go to school with my homework undone because there was no one to help me.

Teenage Years

emily_bahena — 2024-04-17 14:31:59 UTC

During my teenage years, I struggled more with my race and identity. Coming out as part of the LGBT community and being part of a Mexican household complicated my well-being. At this age, I also started to understand more how hard it was for my parents to make an income without having social security. I also learned how tricky it was to fill out financial aid when my parents did not have status here.

College/university

emily_bahena — 2024-04-17 14:53:43 UTC

During this time, I learned what it meant to be a first-generation college graduate. I further explore more ways to make my parents feel at home in a place that has never been their home.

Life

emily_bahena — 2024-04-17 14:59:35 UTC

Throughout my life, my parents have taught me about my traditions and to cherish my native language. I take pride in being not only Mexican but a daughter of immigrants.