I Am the Unexpected

by anazuniga

November 6, 2015

Who am I?

Perhaps I am defined by the fact that, according to doctors, I was not supposed to be born.

Or perhaps I am defined by the miracle of the fact that I was born.

Perhaps I am defined by my lower/middle class family.

Or perhaps I am defined by my hard-working, supportive family.

It’s a matter of perspective, you see.

Who am I?

am I defined by my dark skin?

After all, that is what I thought when I was little,

surrounded by light skinned people in Spain.

I tried “washing off” my dark skin because it wasn’t socially “cool.”

Who am I?

Am I defined by my Spanish accent?

Do people judge me when they don’t hear perfect English?

Perhaps because I am Latina, I am lazy, a drug addict, and an under achiever.

We often become what people expect of us.

But, am I actually defined by my dark skin, my accent, and my Spanish roots?

I am in a world where I am constantly being shoved down for being not only Hispanic, but a woman.

I am not lazy. I am not a drug addict. I am not an under achiever.

I am not defined by what you assume I should be.

Who am I?

I am determined.

I was determined to start college at 16 and be ahead by two years.

I am determined to finish my bachelor’s degree by the age of 20.

I am determined to have my master’s by the age of 22.

I am determined to not be determined by this world’s stereotypes.

Who am I?

I am devoted.

I am devoted to my education.

I am devoted to my church.

I am devoted to my family- my true and constant support.

Most of all, I am devoted to God. As I would not know who I am if it weren’t for Him.

Who am I?

I am determined.

I am devoted.

I am ambitious.

I am a proud Hispanic woman.

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Comments (1)

anazunigaNov 6, 2015

Who am I?Perhaps I am defined by the fact that, according to the doctors, I was not supposed to be born.Or perhaps I am defined by the miracle of the fact that I was born.Perhaps I am defined by my lower/middle class family.Or perhaps I am defined by my hard-working, supportive family.It’s a matter of perspective, you see.Who am I?am I defined by my dark skin?After all, that is what I thought when I was little,surrounded by light skinned people in Spain.I tried “washing off” my dark skin because it wasn’t socially “cool.”Who am I?Am I defined by my Spanish accent?Do people judge me when they don’t hear perfect English?Perhaps because I am Latina, I am lazy, a drug addict, and an under achiever.We often become what people expect of us.But, am I actually defined by my dark skin, my accent, and my Spanish roots?I am in a world where I am constantly being shoved down for being not only Hispanic, but a woman. I am not lazy. I am not a drug addict. I am not an under achiever.I am not defined by what you assume I should be.Who am I?I am determined.I was determined to start college at 16 and be ahead by two years.I am determined to finish my bachelor’s degree by the age of 20.I am determined to have my master’s by the age of 22.I am determined to not be determined by this world’s stereotypes.Who am I?I am devoted.I am devoted to my education.I am devoted to my church.I am devoted to my family- my true and constant support.Most of all, I am devoted to God. As I would not know who I am if it weren’t for Him.Who am I?I am determined.I am devoted.I am ambitious.I am a proud Hispanic woman.