A M’ija to Meet: Cari, Puerto Rican

What I love about being Latina: I believe that as Latinas, we women have a certain air of mystique. There is a mysterious nature about our culture or beliefs that isn’t shared by the average person. 

What I love about being Americana:As an Americana, I enjoy the freedom and equality that all Americanas share. It allows my culture and ethnicity of being Latina to blend with Americans even adding a hint of spice. 

My biggest challenge in growing up Latina in America:I feel that what was the hardest in growing up Latina was the stereotypical view of Latina women certainly being lower than Latino men almost to the point that we were second rate citizens. In trying to change that in my household my dad thought of me as a “vaquera”. I also hated the fact that people couldn’t imagine that I had such strong Latin roots because I sounded like a “gringa”. 

My biggest support in growing up Latina in America:  Once my parents learned to accept me for the strong, independent young woman that I was turning out to be, they were by biggest supporters. They filled me with the belief that I was equal or better than whom I was growing up with, and that anyone’s negative mentality was their own. 

Why I am beautiful: I think I’m beautiful because I stand out. The difference in my looks provoke inquiry as to where I’m from, and I can proudly respond that “I am Latina”. Not only do I bring a physical beauty to my being, but there is a spark for life, a passion for love and a knowledge of my culture that when put all together fulfills the promise of spirituality and inner beauty.