I love learning about history and where people come from and the origins of things. To me, where someone comes from is a major part of one’s identity. Whether you want to accept it or not, it's part of you. Where you come from should make you proud and you shouldn't try to hide it or disregard it.

I'm proud to say that I'm half Hispanic and half Irish, but people never believe me. I've been asked, "If you're half Hispanic, then why do you look so white?" "Why do you have blue eyes?" "So then you must speak fluent Spanish, right?"

Wrong. I have blue eyes from my Irish side, I don't speak Spanish because I didn't learn it when I was younger and it wasn't ever offered to me in school. And what does my skin color have to do with what race I am? Am I not brown enough to be Mexican?

The other night, someone said something to me that really hurt. I asked to walk into someone's dorm room, being polite, and another Hispanic person said I couldn't come in because I "wasn't Mexican enough." Initially, I was shocked, and the fact that they assumed that I "didn't know any other words besides 'hola'" hurt. Granted, I don't know much Spanish, but I do know another language. I've taken ten years of French and am proud of how much I've learned in that language and culture. In my opinion, it's good to experience different cultures and make yourself more worldly and open to new cultures. The fact that I'm a Hispanic-Irish girl who speaks French is a good combination to me.

As for my family, my dad is 100% Hispanic and my mom is Irish. My dad's grandfather is from Durango, Mexico. In order to get to the States, he had to swim across the river, later establishing citizenship. As far as my knowledge goes, we still have relatives living there. My dad's grandmother was from Guanajuato, one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico. Her family was able to receive permission from the President of Mexico and President of the U.S. to move to the States. They traveled up to California and then across to Illinois, finally settling in Chicago, where they've been ever since. All of her relatives moved here and no longer live in Mexico. My dad is a third generation Hispanic, which makes me a fourth generation. As proud as I am to be Hispanic, I'm also proud to be Irish. I'm proud to have two sides to celebrate with and I love both so much. They make me who I am.

This happening made me realize something; as people in general, we don't have unity. People are constantly put down for being themselves and looked down upon because of the color of their skin or their background. This should never happen. Support your peers and don't degrade someone else because they aren't like you.

But keep in mind, people are people. They will say rude things to you. People will be doubtful of you and people will question you. But don't let the inconsiderate comments get to you; let them roll off your back. It will take a lot of will power, but stand up for yourself. Be proud of your heritage, be proud of your skin color, and be proud of your family. Most importantly, do not forget where you come from, and don't be ashamed of being you.

Pictured below: me and my dad after one of my swim meets. Below, starting on the left, is me, my dad, my mom, and my sister.