I am from

I Am From

I am from a loud Puerto Rican family

That doesn’t know the definition of quiet

I am from home cooked meals and Bear Down Sundays

From a loving family 

a single mother

who struggled to provide for her three children

I am from an adventurous childhood

 those mischievous days with my older brothers

I am from football, basketball, and lacrosse

always outside

Xbox, Playstation, playing video games inside

I am from Chicago

Which doesn’t sleep, city of broad shoulders

Where struggle is guaranteed

I am from the West Side 

The real best side, yet my parents left 

I am from Evanston

From a place where most are privileged

I am from a place where teachers say,
“Wow I’m surprised how good you’re doing- you know because of your background”

A place where skin tone and hair texture matters

I am from a world that discriminates 

A world where being female, a Latina, unique & intelligent

Gives you false impressions, stereotypes, & challenges