Sana, Colita De Rana

“Sana, Sana, Colita de Rana,” is a silly Hispanic chant which literally translates into “heal, heal, little frog's tail.” My mother, she would sing these few words while rubbing my injured knee with her soft worn hands. My pain would instantly vanish. I would be in awe, after all, my mother just performed a magic. She took away any evidence of pain. These customs which would leave me giddy and giggling would soon leave me feeling self-conscious. I found myself going through stages: realization, embarrassment, and then finally embracement.
Stage One, realization. First day of kindergarten, and oh boy, was I exited. It was my first time going into a public school. I was becoming a big kid and grabbing life by the horns. Although, my day didn’t go as planned. I walked into class holding on to the crumpled paper lunch bag in my hands for dear life. After I …show more content…
Every sentence about my darker skin and my slur of words would linger in the back of my mind. Why? Why do individuals feel the need to vocalize something which cannot be changed? I would be embarrassed to the point where I would not participate in outdoor activities for the fear my skin would get darker. Again I ask why? Why did I feel the need to take peoples' murmurs to heart? I began to realize, after many years what felt as if I hiding under a rock, I cannot change the pigment of my skin or eyes. I cannot change what people think about me. Though, I can change the way I perceive myself.
Stage Three, embracement. I am embracing who I am. I, Vanessa Rosa Robinson, love to eat grilled plantains and refried beans. I often call my mother when I have a 'boo boo' just to hear her recite "Sana, Sana, Colita de Rana," because this is who I am. I no longer ask, "Why," instead I try and be an example for a little girl who is embarrassed for the way she speaks, her darker skin, and who is afraid to show the world her true self. After all, it is the little quirks which make us beautiful and