I was born and raised in Portland Oregon, so whenever I hear Portland I think of my home. I have not moved around at all. For 18 years I’ve lived in the same house and neighborhood. On a nice peaceful day I like to take walks to the park or just around the neighborhood. I’ve heard people say that Portland is mostly white, but I don’t really see it, at least not in places I'm familiar with. My neighborhood is mostly diverse, and other neighborhoods I visit, such as where my friends live, are also diverse. However, I tend to stay in my comfort zone, so maybe I have not explored enough of Portland yet.
+
Although I was born in Portland I identity as Mexican. To some people it's a surprise because I look white but both my parents are Mexican and I grew up that way. The way my mom raised me was traditionally and culturally involved. Spanish is my first language and I learned it at home and English is my second language that I learned at school. I have realized that I tend to surround myself with other people who identify as Hispanic or Latino. Most of my friends are Hispanic or another race other than white. Maybe it's because I feel like we have more in common and it’s more comfortable. I love sharing experiences and my culture with friends who don't identify as Hispanic such as our food, special events, or certain holidays.
+
Growing up in Portland I’ve always felt at home; however, the political and social racial statute does not let a lot of us feel welcomed. I believe that we can change, but only if we work together to better our future. Although I look white because of my skin and live in Portland I still identify as Mexican and I will always be proud of that.