Viva La Raza

To be honest, my race is what defines me. When you think of Latino's, people instantly jump to Mexicans. We are glorified and beaten down by the media. Our portrayal is often poor or were viewed as immigrant. However, we are so much more than all of that. Growing up Latino, more specifically Mexican, has taught me so much about why I am the way I am. Family is a huge part of being Latino and I'm more than fortunate enough to have my extended family live in the same area as I do or being a short 10 minute drive away. I learned to respect my elders and never to shy away from a plate for it would break my grandmothers or aunts or cousins hearts if I didn't eat the food they made. I learned that family is forever and that your cousins are more like your brothers or sisters than just someone you see every time you go to a family reunion. And I also learned that no matter what it is that you do, do it with passion, heart and drive. Because as Latino's, we do everything with passion. We pour ourselves into whatever we do and will try to complete it to the best of our abilities. I was born with a soccer ball at my feet as my mother would tell me but the stereotype is more than true. Most of my childhood memories include my family members and I passing around a soccer ball or driving an hour to make a travel soccer game. Futbol will forever be a part of the Latino culture. Being Latino is much more than "eating tacos and chugging coronas." It's about family, being passionate, doing what you can to the best of your ability and knowing that your family will always have your back no matter what the situation.

 At the camp I worked at over the summer, I loved receiving drawings like this that showed an appreciation of my heritage.

Taken right after Mexico had beat Germany in the World Cup. I was beyond ecstatic after the result and was bubbling the rest of the week.

In high school, I was 1 of 5 Latino's and the only Mexican in the school by my junior year. I took it as a badge of honor and would wear my pride any chance I could.