Growing up mixed meant never fitting into a box. I was too white for the Latino kids and too Latina for the white kids. On standardized tests, it felt like a betrayal to pick a box identifying my ethnicity, like I was picking sides. Even with my family, I felt out of place; my white side never understood why I was offended by certain “jokes”, and they could never understand certain struggles I would have to face. My Latino side always criticized me for being no sabo and disconnected from my culture. I felt so isolated and alienated from everyone and everything that should have given me a sense of community and belonging. As I got older, though, I realized that my identity, both racially and culturally, is mine to define and should not be dictated by others and their comments. I am so proud of my Salvadoran roots and work every day to grow closer to my culture, whether through language, food, or dance. I am also proud of my French roots and often try to learn more about them through my grandfather. I feel so blessed to be able to experience multiple amazing cultures all within my family. If I could go back and give my younger self a hug and tell her she is enough for both her Latina and white side I would. I am mixed and I am proud to be mixed.

PC- Google