Being a young Mexican American woman allows me to look at the world through a different pair of lenses than others. In recent years, laws have been passed that have been negligent for young women around the nation. Many neglect women and human rights as important aspects of politics when it is supposed to be a top priority. Speaking through the lens of a young person in the US, many lawmakers tend to discount the newer generation's opinions. Being only 18 years old seems to put me at a disadvantage in our world when it allows me to bring a new perspective into people's usual thinking. Rather than fighting against each other, we should rely on each other to begin making a change, men, and women alike. As a Hispanic and Latino, it allows me to have another helpful lens that can help me connect to others. My grandmother and grandfather were immigrants who came here to build a better life for themselves and their future children. They inspire me every day to work and fight for what I believe in every day. I am working to create the world they searched for when moving here. Earning my degree and furthering my education in the law field can help me build my knowledge to be the best I can be. Becoming a lawyer in whichever field I succeed in would be one step closer to the change my grandparents inspired in me. Being one of the four women in my household growing up has taught me how strong women are and can be. They have always taught me to work hard no matter who or what obstacles I face. They have shaped me to be the strong and independent young woman I am today. Women have always been the strongest supporters in my life, so seeing women's deficit in the corporate and political world is very disappointing and underwhelming. I am hoping that my hard work throughout college and earning my degree will allow me the opportunity to stand with the many women who are just like the strong women of my family who have inspired me. The example I would be for women around me and those I meet along the way will benefit the world in the long run. I would use the knowledge I have and earn through my career and life to teach and inspire those around me. The first step is believing I am the change I can be.

As we drove through the streets, I saw the narrow sidewalks and houses so close, neighbors could touch elbows. People walking and selling goods along the busy streets while smells of fresh food wafted through the air and music bouncing along the street enamored me. It was extremely strange to see neighborhoods like this when in my daily life, separation was commonplace for me. My life never felt tethered to something besides my parents and siblings, so this new place created a new sense of familiarity that I couldn’t place. After the long drive, my grandfather parked the truck and walked me up the steps to a beautiful red-painted home with crème colored brick. My mother’s father was someone I looked up to. Being introduced to people who mean so much to him made me open to building these new bridges. The door opened to a woman with a warm, welcoming face. Her smile which spread from ear to ear comforted me in ways I never imagined from someone I had never met before. She hugged me and walked me through the cozy home filled with photos and memories along the walls. She walked me in and asked me questions in a foreign language that I had limited knowledge of. My answers were short, but her smile never wavered and her gentleness persevered. It was new, but I’d never felt such warm compassion before. I knew we were related, but I didn’t think I would feel so connected so fast. She sat me down and served me steaming and delicious-looking food. My mouth watered as she placed the plates filled in front of me. Her gentle voice asked me questions while trying to get to know me. Her attempt at speaking my language warmed me beyond compare. Even if she knew her English was limited, she attempted to communicate with me because it was important to her. It opened my eyes to how being so forthcoming to new relationships could be liberating. Other family members joined the table and welcomed me with open arms. I felt their love and understanding so intensely. It changed my perspective on what being Hispanic meant to me. Nevertheless, having an adopted grandmother and an absent grandfather on my father’s side, I had a hole in who I was. Every personal form I filled out left me unsure of my answers about my background. The boxes scared me, and the unchecked boxes worried me to no extent. I never knew where I belonged and which boxes I was supposed to fit into. However, walking along these new streets in this country with my grandfather and meeting the family I had never known before; I was finally getting the answers I needed. Connections I never knew were so close were finally within reach. Meeting my family in Mexico opened my eyes to the culture I knew but never connected to. This new link I created in Mexico motivated me to learn about who I was outside of my likes and dislikes. Being Hispanic was never something that I genuinely understood the importance of until meeting this new tie. Acknowledging and accepting these new bonds I created helped me appreciate who I came from and am connected to. This experience also made me more accepting of learning about new people and their personal stories which is a valuable lesson I am proud I learned. Selecting a specific box was seemingly insignificant to the doors that were opened at that comfortable home.