Understanding my true Latinx identity had always been conflicting to me, that’s why I considered myself more of a world citizen. Having been born in Southern California but moving to Portland at age 10, was a totally new world for me. As a Latinx individual in Portland in the early 2000s, I felt completely alone in an undiverse setting. There was no one that looked like me in school and in my community. I was often seeked to help classmates with their Spanish homework, was often looked at in class to explain Latinx leaders and history, was seeked to represent the community at state leadership events, and was seeked when a local insurance company needed a bilingual worker. I was proud of my Mexican and Salvadoran background and culture but I did not want to become “that person” all the time because our Latinx community is so diverse and rich and I am only one individual that enriches it and that cannot speak for all.
As a way to escape from those pressures, I discovered my passion learning about other cultures and languages. Traveling and exploring the world as a high school student and as an undergrad in college opened up my eyes to discover who I truly am. This led me to venturing out and working abroad as a English language and Cultural Assistant in various high schools in Spain. After spending four years living in Spain, I have realized how much I value and appreciate my Mexican, Salvadoran, American and now Spanish identity. I embrace all cultures and I am always intrigued by accepting more to add to my world identity.
Returning back to Portland with a new identity has given me the power to work with all the diverse communities living here. I have had the privilege of working with immigrant and refugee youth living in Portland and I have able to similarly learn about their own experiences as diverse youth in Portland. I always encourage them to be proud of who they are but most importantly to open themselves to being world citizens.