Week 3 post

Reading both of these texts really affected me because being Mexican American I really can imagine what it's like to work hard and be outcasted in society where they won't accept you. My own mom came from Guadalajara to Los Angeles when she was 17 and stayed with her grandma to go to school and learn how to speak, read and write in English. Finding work was difficult. She is my hero because she ended going to college to get a degree for teaching. She is making a difference in this world like so many others who come to the U.S. to make a better future. Today is breaks my heart that there are people who want to keep Immigrants out even if they have lived in the US for half of their lives. 

I could go on and on but, this made me realize how fortunate I am to be where I am in life which is a proud Mexican American who will help educate and spread awareness to the negative ones on this Earth. Mainly the U.S. I'm fortunate to have parents to protect me and help me go to school. I may not be dark skinned for my race but, I am more Mexican than American. 

I work as a server at a restaurant and the chefs in the kitchen are mainly hispanic. I have had times where I would sit and eat with them during our breaks and I would ask them where is home? Do they have family? Most of them sacrificed to be here. To send money back home to support them. That to me is hard work. I can't complain about my problems because there are others that need help. I'm willing to be that person to support. 

I remember going to Mexico City for 2 weeks during Christmas break and I was excited to see family and experience my culture even more. Before my trip I've had people tell me to not look expensive and don't have my phone or wallet out or else people will snatch it. I was confused because I felt like I would be safe because this is my culture but, knowing I have very fair pale skin I might not look Mexican to others. The culture in America is different than Mexico. So I understood why my clothes and look would appear that I'm not from there. When I was there, yes I got looked at a lot but, when I spoke Spanish most of citizens there were impressed of how well I spoke it. Then they proceeded to ask me where my parents are from which both are from Mexico. I felt much more at home when I engaged in conversations with them. 

Here in Los Angeles there are specific areas that are populated with Latinos which make me feel closer to home and I am thankful for that. I honestly wouldn't know what to do or feel if every single Immigrant had to be deported. It wouldn't feel safe or like home anymore. I'm proud to be an artist because this gives me a reason to express myself in this area when it involves community and love.