Being Mixed and Breaking Molds
Start writing a post

Being Mixed and Breaking Molds

How to make your own path when you don't fit into life's boxes.

8
Being Mixed and Breaking Molds

"Where are you from?"

"I'm from _____________"

"No, where are you really from?"

I've had that exchange more times than I can count, and without a doubt, my response surprises people, I am an enigma wrapped in coarse hair, brown skin, and a Hispanic name. I don't look like what I am, and frankly what I am is a mix of so many things it would be impossible to tell without a genetic DNA test.

All of my life I've dealt with the ups and downs of this reality. There are amazing and absolutely wonderful things that include: an obnoxious and sprawling family full of love, more fantastic food than you can shake a stick at, and a whirlwind of cultural touchstones and experiences.

Unfortunately, there is more than its own downside and I'm sure anyone in my situation can attest to that, there is a greater sense of being alone that comes with this, of not fitting anywhere. All my life that's been my battle, I'm visibly not white, but I'm not Spanish enough for the other Hispanic kids, not Indian enough for the other Indians, and not African enough to connect with the few people around me with a similar heritage. It leaves you in a weird and uncomfortable position and that is something you grow used to.

There is a fish out of water feeling, a feeling of "where do I belong" in a world that tries to sort us into easily identifiable groups, especially by the color of our skin or the texture of our hair or where we're from. Frankly, it sucks. That feeling of being lost can be avoided, you can learn how to be comfortable in your skin, how to take the range of experiences you've been given and turn them into yourself.

It's about knowing who you are and embracing your past, it is about finding that sense of belonging in a family you create and the one that loves you, leaning into the people who care and foraging on. You don't have to check someone else's boxes as long as you check your own.

So, look around, look at the food that only your mom cooks, the music in another language your dad plays, the stories and the history and the family that brought you here, look at it and embrace it.

You are a uniquely special person as cliche as that is, and you can live like one, it's okay not to fit into racial, ethnic, or cultural boxes.

It is okay.

So live your life the way you want, eat the food nobody else can pronounce, sing the song only you know the words to, pick out your hair, embrace where you're from, and who you are and live.

Don't fit into a box, instead just break the mold.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55726
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35923
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957921
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

186721
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments