I Am The First, I Am The Beginning

I am the first, and I am only the beginning

I am the daughter of an immigrant; 

I am first generation;

I feel my Latina pride in everything I do

I am the daughter of a U.S. Naval Officer;

I don’t let the currents float me along in life,

I take a speedboat and surge ahead

I am the daughter of a muscle car fanatic;

I fill my tank with a drive to race ahead of others,

but I also brake to help the rest

I am the daughter of a country girl;

I recognize the bonds of family and friends, 

but let go and have fun with those I love

I am the daughter of an Olympic lifter;

We overcome new hurdles everyday, together, and alone 

But hold each other up when we strive for greatness

I am the daughter of a cancer survivor;

I saw the strength in my mother as she battled the Grim Reaper

I now look fear in the face, and tell him he cannot stop me

I am an older sister, a granddaughter, niece, and a cousin

But above all, I am a future politician 

I am the future of the United States

I will bring together all people: immigrants, soldiers, country folk,

city folk, patients, and children

By living a life full of different characteristics, I am not afraid to be myself

I am the echoes of those of my past,

but I am the first, and I am only the beginning