Personal Narrative: Me As A Mexican-American

My parents have always referred me to as a Mexican-American, simply because I was born in the US. The proper term to refer my kind is "Chicanos". I recall speaking with a teacher in middle school telling him that I was Mexican-American and would often tell me I was wrong because neither one of my parents is an actual American. I have been called Latina as well but have always been used to being called a Mexican-American. I have utilized my diverse life and perspectives and have contributed to my local community. My ability to speak two languages helps a great amount of people. I am translating nearly everyday whether it is to assist my mother, or to help translate at my jobs. At my recent job, I found myself working at a department near mine,

translating and translating for my customers. As well as in my martial arts school, there is no instructor that knows how to speak Spanish, so I translate there as well. I have always found a diversity to be very interesting.

So much to the point where I plan to study abroad in a country I've never been before and even plan to learn a third language: Japanese. I have been told several times that I was born lucky because I am bilingual. Not only that, I thank my parents for influencing me on my thoughts about Traveling. It is because of them that I want to see the world. I have been to Mexico, I see how different it is to live where my parents did compared to where I live now. Currently, my parents have enough money to pay the bills but that's about it. I have never realized what a huge step my parents made, coming here, becoming citizens, and learning to accommodate to the life styles here. Over there, they were living in poverty, and to this day, their hometown is still considered poor. I have gotten to experience having no showers but only buckets of water. I have experienced having no operating toilets. I have experienced needing a flashlight or candles to get around at night. Thankfully as time goes by there have been some improvements, but it does not compare even to the tiny town we live in now. I may be just one person, but I know I can show that there are still students interested in studying

abroad. I remember meeting my first two Japanese friends in EOU through a summer institute program; they were very friendly and I miss them. EOU being diverse will encourage several races to come to the school. They will feel welcome. Because of several races attending the same school, it will benefit the school and the students. If everyone shows respect and courtesy to one another, no matter how they look, they will feel secure. This will give the opportunity to more students in the future as they will not feel limited knowing they can attend a University without fear.