I am half hispanic and for the twenty years I have lived on this Earth I seem to get the same question all the time when people ask about my heritage, “You’re latina? Why don’t you have dark skin? You don’t look hispanic.” Well the truth is, ancestors on my father’s side of the family originated from Spain, and eventually migrated to southern Mexico. My grandmother’s side, Lobato, migrated to Colorado in the late 1800’s-early 1900’s. Same with my grandfather’s side, Lucero, where I got my last name. My great-great grandma on my grandfather’s side was a Navajo native, so I also have a small part of Navajo in my roots. I really enjoy my heritage and where I come from, that’s a part of who I am no matter what.

I started thinking about this when I visited my grandma the other day and I asked her if when I am applying for scholarships I should put down “hispanic” or “caucasian”, she told me I could put down either because I am both. We continued to talk about how being hispanic isn’t about if your skin or hair is dark or light, it’s about how you embrace your culture and heritage, and where your family originated. I think it’s important for everyone to look into where they came from so they can be more culturally diverse and understand that we are all one race with different backgrounds. It’s important to have an appreciation for your own culture and roots and at the same time know how to respect other cultures.

One of the most important things people need to understand is to not judge someone based on their skin color and appearance. When someone opens up about their heritage and where they come from, it’s something that should be respected. It’s not a time to make racial assumptions and judgements, it’s special for people to share a part of who they are. No matter what I look like on the outside, on the inside I know where I’m from. Despite our cultural differences and roots, we have to remember we are all one race, the human race.

Abuelo y Abuela Lucero