Personal Narrative: I Am A Latina

I’m a Latina growing up in the east side of Salinas, California. All i’ve ever wanted was support, but my cultural disapproves of the person I am today. They call me a “coconut” or “gringa” just because my Mocha colored skin doesn't match the personality of a typical female, mexican descendant.

As a Latina I should know my native tongue of Spanish and I shouldn’t be studying French. I should be practicing how to cook for my future husband and I shouldn’t be practicing for my next competitive activity. I should be home before the sun goes down, and I definitely shouldn’t be dreaming of leaving my house in order to pursue higher education. With this is mind my culture had put me down for many of the things I had believed in.

In the same

way, this was because In my culture men are dominant. They support the family and are the ones with the education. This was even true in my household. My father finished high school unlike my mother. My mother had dropped out when she got pregnant at 17. This pattern was similar when it came to my sisters. In contrast, I believe I am more than just another stereotype my culture has set up. For this reason, I want to break the chain and become the first female in my family to attend and graduate from a University.

No doubt, these stereotypes have only led my mind to think college. My education became an important part of my life. From the start of high school I have worked my way to set myself up to be qualified to attend an university. I got enrolled in GATE classes as well as Advanced placement classes to better prepare myself for college. I talked to my counselor about A-G requirements. I was taught the importance of the SAT and ACT .I learned effective ways to study and time management. I learned how to challenge myself in my education, even if it meant more work.