Diversity as we know it is undergoing a transformation; meanwhile, it seems as though society is just beginning to realize that those same minorities, that have faced obstacles and hardships, are just as talented as those privileged few. Yet research has outlined graduation rates, test scores, and even job placement data for Hispanics in comparison to their white counterparts, and they don’t represent us favorably.
But these statistics don’t define me nor any other Hispanic in this country of opportunity; instead, they present a one sided view and challenge us to reach our true potential in any field of our choosing.
My Hispanic heritage traces come from my parents who were born in the humble country of Guatemala. I am proud of my background today; indeed, I now realize that being an American doesn’t have to fit the definition of the eighteenth century.
Although …show more content…
But I believe it unifies us in our fight for change. We, regardless of our home country, are subject to stereotypes, blatant discrimination, and even frightening situations that many people can’t imagine going through.
At eight years old, I feared losing my mom to police officers because her important residency documents hadn’t arrived in the mail at a time when ICE raids were heightening in my city. At fifteen years old, some of my fellow Hispanic classmates didn’t identify with their race, and mocked me for doing so. At eighteen years old and as a low-income first generation college student I felt blessed for all that I accomplished and the opportunities I have strived to achieve and many more that I am pursuing.
Being Hispanic is so much more than our food and dancing; it is an informal connection with millions of people around the world that is powerful enough to influence elections, transform our cities for the better, and really redefine what it means to be Hispanic in the best way
But these statistics don’t define me nor any other Hispanic in this country of opportunity; instead, they present a one sided view and challenge us to reach our true potential in any field of our choosing.
My Hispanic heritage traces come from my parents who were born in the humble country of Guatemala. I am proud of my background today; indeed, I now realize that being an American doesn’t have to fit the definition of the eighteenth century.
Although …show more content…
But I believe it unifies us in our fight for change. We, regardless of our home country, are subject to stereotypes, blatant discrimination, and even frightening situations that many people can’t imagine going through.
At eight years old, I feared losing my mom to police officers because her important residency documents hadn’t arrived in the mail at a time when ICE raids were heightening in my city. At fifteen years old, some of my fellow Hispanic classmates didn’t identify with their race, and mocked me for doing so. At eighteen years old and as a low-income first generation college student I felt blessed for all that I accomplished and the opportunities I have strived to achieve and many more that I am pursuing.
Being Hispanic is so much more than our food and dancing; it is an informal connection with millions of people around the world that is powerful enough to influence elections, transform our cities for the better, and really redefine what it means to be Hispanic in the best way