September 15-October 15 is known as National Hispanic Heritage Month. I am blessed to be an American, but my culture and heritage is something that I love and am very proud of. I am the daughter and granddaughter of Spanish and Cuban immigrants. There are so many wonderful reasons to love my heritage and my culture, but here are my top 8:
1. My family sacrificed everything in order to give me a better life.
In the 1960's, my existence was known only to God. In the 1960's, God gave my grandparents the will, determination, strength and courage to leave Cuba during the rise of the Castro regime. Their decision to give their family a better life inspires me. I will always be grateful for their selfless sacrifice. They came to America with nothing and worked their entire lives to give their family everything. If that isn't the definition of love, I don't know what is.
2. The gift of knowing another language will benefit me for the rest of my life.
Growing up in a household where Spanish was the main language spoken, I am very well-spoken in the language. I can understand and speak Spanish and am working on brushing up my grammar and reading skills. This will benefit me in my career and other important aspects of my life. I hope to one day pass on the language of Spanish to my children and teach them the importance of remembering where our family has come from.
3. I know the value of hard work.
Accolades, scholarships, my jobs, and schoolwork: I never give up. I always try my best. I put my heart into everything I do. I grew up being taught to be honest and hardworking. Nothing is handed to me. I know that if I need something, I need to work day and night to make it happen. I have to make sacrifices and use my money wisely.
4. We know how to celebrate and live life largely.
We take pride in the little things. We celebrate little accomplishments. We celebrate when family comes to town and have grand reunions. We also celebrate big moments like marriages, births and religious holidays and milestones.
5. I can always count on my family.
When everyone else fails me, they will always be there for me. We may fight and disagree, but we will always be connected. The one thing that will always keep us tied together is our blood.
6. I get to be the woman that defies all odds.
Children and grandchildren of immigrants are under an extreme amount of pressure. We have to live up to the expectations that our family has set for us. They want us to live wonderful and meaningful lives. We get to be the men and women who are the valedictorians, the non-profit organization starters, the doctors, lawyers, and so much more. We get to be the spitting image of why our family came to America. We are fortunate to have a better education than most of our family. No matter what, my family is proud of me- success or failure.
7. La comida!
Seriously. I can't write about my culture and just not include the food. ALL Latin food is good... nothing compares.
8. I know what is truly important in life.
Life isn't about the price tag on your clothes, the kind of car that you drive, or other material possessions. Life is about knowing and loving where you came from and living every day as a blessing. What is truly important in life is spending it with people who love you and accept you.
I am part of a minority. In my lifetime I may be discriminated against, I may be called horrible things, I may be looked down upon because of my gender and ethnicity, but no matter what, I will never be ashamed of my heritage.
