|
I am a Mexican-American: My two worlds |
 I
was born in New York City, to two hard-working
immigrant parents from Mexico whose goal in life was
to accomplish the American Dream. Growing up in New
York for the first ten years of my life was easy. I
recall that during my childhood I didn’t see myself
as a Mexican person or think about myself as being
“Latina” or “Hispanic” as I do now. It was not until
I reached ten years of age that I encountered
nationality issues in my life.
During the summer of 1992, my parents decided to
move back to their home country, Mexico. My parents,
my two brothers, my sister and I settled in the city
of Puebla for five years. At that age, the lifestyle
transition was a traumatizing yet worthwhile
experience. My siblings and I had arrived in a
country where English was secondary to Spanish. At
the time, we spoke very little Spanish – and when I
say very little, I mean the very basics.
Indeed, I have Spanish-speaking parents, but they
had little time to teach their four children to
speak Spanish. We acquired the basics by talking at
night with my parents and by reading the only
Spanish newspaper my dad read, El Diario/La Prensa.
Every day he arrived home with a newspaper in his
hand and placed it on top of the table. At that age,
I was curious to know what he was reading and my
favorite section of the paper was the comics.
In his own way, my dad did his best to translate the
news to English. As our departure date grew closer,
my dad insisted that he would only read and
communicate with us in Spanish.
Due to my Mexican heritage, people frequently
assumed that I spoke Spanish, or at the very least
understood it. In reality, I had no clue. In Mexico,
my parents enrolled us in a school with an intensive
after-school Spanish-language program. At that age I
felt odd and out of place. In school my classmates
didn’t see me as a Mexican; to them I was a “New
Yorker.” It was then when I realized how important
it had become to me to reconcile with my heritage. I
began to study Mexico and its rich history; I got
more involved in cultural events; and I participated
in as many school activities as possible.
After five years in Mexico, my parents decided to
move back to New York City. When we returned, I felt
I had left a special part of me behind. I had become
so deeply involved with Mexico, thanks to my
extended family, school activities, the Spanish
language, and most importantly the pride of my
Mexican heritage.
|
 |
|
Gloria with
journalist Maria Elena Salinas |
Gloria ‘s
alma mater, Hunter College |
I was no longer an American-born
of Mexican descent raised in New York: I had become
a Mexican-American. My identity wasn’t hidden any
longer: I had discovered it.
Four-and-a-half years ago I entered college, and I
graduated last spring with two bachelor degrees, one
in Media Studies with a focus in journalism and web
design, and the second in Studio Art with a focus in
ceramics and sculpture.
Recently, I have become involved with organizations
that support the Hispanic community, such as the
National Association of Hispanic Journalists. I have
worked for CENTRO Journal in New York City and I
have been fortunate to interview one of the most
influential and recognized female Hispanic
journalists in the United States, Maria Elena
Salinas. I have always admired her confidence,
quality of work and ambition as a journalist.
When I look back to those days when I struggled and
worked hard in Mexico, I think, What would I have
been if I had not gone to Mexico? First, I would not
have embraced the Spanish language as much as I now
have. Second, I would not have experienced or
understood my Mexican heritage as well as I do now.
Third, I would have never truly known so many
wonderful family members and friends. Last but not
least, I would not have become a proud Mexican-American
and a source of pride for my parents – to whom I am
the realization of their American Dream. |
