I will no longer be silent because for too long I have kept things under the low. It's not about disregarding people's feelings or comfort -- yet, it's things that have to be said. Ever since I was little, I have been stubborn. I have been someone who likes to push people's buttons when it comes to discussing tough subjects or even, asking multiple questions to get the answers to my questions. I am curious. I also am one to search and look through every detail to explain those questions. I was and am the one to speak too much in long car rides ranging on random topics from why the sky is an analogy for freedom and why do films only show Latinas as crazy women. I am an overthinker. I think too much that, I then think about how much I am thinking. Yet, lately, I've been thinking a lot. Thinking about people and actions; and how those actions can have a great effect in the long run.

I've been thinking about racism and how some "people" can't understand that it's still prevalent. That it's still a grave issue, that affects Latinos and African Americans in all sorts of spectrums. I've been thinking about my relationship with Jesus, and how every day I know I am hungry for His presence; because I feel empty without feeling a dose of Him. I've been thinking about confidence; and how sometimes I let myself be intimidated when I walk into a room filled with white people and there is no one else that looks or speaks like me; in some ways, I will always be the "elephant in the room". I've been thinking about other "people" and how some disregard the reality of the day -- Black and Brown lives do matter; that does not mean that everyone does not matter, yet it's a statement placing forth that there are issues we face, that some don't and will not understand. It's not about the divide, yet It's about the reality. I've been thinking about us, women, and how we have to work twice as hard; yet, triple if one is a woman of color. Why is that? I've been thinking about hair and how people have labeled it as being "good" or "bad"; as if they had the power to name something that is mine or yours.

I've been thinking about my island, Puerto Rico, and how it is the place I want to return to study and work; yet the government is cutting away financial aid and closing schools for students in all age groups. Financially speaking, my dream is dissipating. I mourn because I feel as if I have lost the place of my childhood, slowly sinking into the debt that is crippling people's lives down there. I've been thinking about lots of things; that many find it tough to swallow.

Therefore, I will no longer be silent. By that, I mean I will search and educate myself on the things happening around -- to not be ignorant. I will ask and stay to listen to the stories of people. I will no longer push for relations not meant, since the beginning; instead, I will grow and take my time to grow. I will continue to work hard; to one day walk down the stage with a certificate with my last name in it; stating that I am NOT an "uneducated", "lazy", "unwilling" Puertorriqueña. I will no longer shame my body, yet learn to love every single curve each day -- even, when some days I will not personally believe it. I will no longer not share all I have to offer, spiritually speaking. I will no longer keep shut when I am told I can't accomplish things because of being who I am -- a Boricua and a woman.

All in all, I hope we all do the same. It's not about rebellion to speak up on different issues and to silence certain negative attitudes, yet it's more to take a stand on what you believe.