How is it that I, a Puerto Rican chika,
Will quote, never truly understand what it means to be Latina.
I was born on the island, raised in the states,
and somehow it's like my own kind discriminates.
I'm to Latin too be American, I'm sorry too Latin to be white.
But on the island I'm too American to be considered by my own kind.

Every time I spoke Spanish they told me “very good, keep trying.”
As I stumbled over my words, messed up grammar and my writing.
I lost all my Spanish because I would refuse to speak,
The child I was just couldn't see the real me.
I took 3 years of Spanish and struggled every time,
Like a mountain I just couldn't figure out how to climb.
Other students said it was easy if your a native like me,
But the natives didn't see me as part of their family tree.
I never liked tres leches, coquito, or yucca.
All the things that apparently define a boricua.
I could wave the flag, be as proud as I can,
But there will always be a wall between me and my home land.

But that all changed when I came to college,
A central place we're students go to learn knowledge.
Suddenly I found a place were I belonged,
Where students can meet and learn all the want.
I met friends that understand all the things that I have struggled with,
Just like a myth, they comprehend without a sitch.
Im not afraid to speak Spanish to my friends,
The struggles I had and I can finally make amends.
For once in my life I am proud to be Puerto Rican,
And I'll raise my flag high so everyone can see it.
No one will ever question who I am,
And if they still don't accept me then I'll make my own clan.

If I could go back in time and tell my younger self,
One bit of advice that would better help myself
I would say, “It's ok to feel scared and alone.
One day you'll find the place that you call home.
And it will be with others who understand how you feel,
Who understand who you are, who understand Camille.
And it might seem far away but trust me it's not.
One day you'll look back and realized there is so much you forgot,
Because the new memories you have, the new friends you've made,
One day you'll realize your life will never be the same.
So stand up little one regardless of your scars,
Be proud to be Latina, be proud of who you are.”