Growing Up In Mexico City-Personal Narrative

The era of president Salinas de Gortari and the transition to free market have gone against the ideologies and goals of the Mexican Revolution. By reading “Mexican Lives” by Judith Hellman we see how Neoliberal policies affected Mexicans from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. President Salinas goals went against the values of the Mexican revolution by liberalizing the economy of Mexico and selling state owned land to private capital which went against provision Article 27 in the constitution which places strict ownership of land in the hands of the Mexicans. We see in Hellman’s stories how wealthy business owners like Sergio Espinoza and Ruben Ergas in Mexico were negatively affected by the liberalization of the economy. Prior to

El Paso and Ciudad Juarez lie side by side, but are separated by the Rio Grande. The border’s way of life relies on the dividing line. As a resident of Ciudad Juarez, I experience a blend of cultures on an everyday basis. However, in 2010 the unique culture of the city was darkened by the shedding violence in Ciudad Juarez. Ciudad Juarez came to be known as the deadliest city in the world.

I believe the term, hispanic, itself does not define who I am. I define who I am and who I want to become. However, I do come from a Mexican heritage. Coming from a Mexican heritage has influenced and deeply impacted my life. My heritage has taught me a lot.

Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American was a huge advantage for me in that it allowed me to grow up in a culturally diverse community. I learned how to work well with people of all backgrounds and empathize with people from all walks of life. However, while being the first in my family to go to college was a momentous accomplishment, the lack of instruction and guidance lead me to commit many mistakes that could have been easily avoided during my first years at college. My timidity and downright arrogance lead me to believe that I did not need anyone’s assistance and thus I found myself denial that there was a problem in terms of my grades during my first semesters. I have since addressed this issue and have worked diligently to

19 years ago today in a Hispanic house hold two parents three siblings and the world to conquer. Screaming, laughing, learning and growing molded this one young lady to overcome all statics .Factors such as birthplace, extracurricular activities and the simple thing she couldn’t control, her origin were deciding factors for where she is present day. New York, the city that never sleeps, a city diverse in all aspects of life, the city where it all started. 18 years growing up in Harlem wasn’t all it was cracked up to be especially for a young Hispanic female. Being surrounded with drugs, violence and public disobedience were some of the easiest of distractions that I encountered every day.

My mom came to the United States with no money to her name. She came here in search for a better life. No one helped her, she did it all on her own. Not speaking the language or being educated it wasn 't easy raising a child in a place which is so unknown to you

Being a child of immigrant parents has taught me so much. For example, being able to work hard for what you want. At school, I always strive to get A’s. My parent’s have taught me to never settle for anything less than a B. They know that in order for me to go to college and be successful, I not only have to get good grades but work hard to get there.

One of the toughest adjustments, having been born to Mexican parents, is migrating to an unknown country where traditions and languages differ from one 's own. Though many pursue an education and strive for a better life, the purpose behind an immigrant, like myself, differs from the typical American. Immigrants strive for a life that was once impossible, going to school is not only to attain an education, but to better prove that we can also become successful regardless of our traditions and skin color. I lived in a country for over fifteen years, fearing deportation, not only losing a home, but potentially saying goodbye to a bright future. Although many feel empathy for Mexican-Americans, it is undeniably difficult to truly comprehend the immense trauma children and even adults undergo  upon experiencing racism and prejudice.

As a child of immigrant parents, my formative years in elementary and middle school were shaped by two important factors: the environment in which I lived and my background. My parents worked hard to settle into a new life in a foreign country to provide better opportunities for our family. This meant that we had to be flexible about where we lived due to relocating for jobs, and fluid about our ideas of culture. I recall the daunting nature of moving to a new city, twice, as a child. The prospect of leaving everything that was familiar to me and forming new friendships in an unfamiliar environment was a challenge.

BING!........BANG!...... BOOM!.The exploding lights of fireworks set off as the celebration of Carnival takes place in Mexico. Some say that Mexico is one of the most unique countries in the world with their bright colors and marvelous festivals. My heritage country affects my life now in many ways. I connect through traditions,food and lifestyle.

I was presented with a whole new curriculum and teaching styles. Needless to say, my school grades went down since I was still adapting to a new language and school system. My first two school years in the United States were by far my worse but that did not stop me from succeeding. Even though I was young, I was able to understand what I was going through. I knew that I needed to not just put in the same effort as other kids my age but far more.

Over the Border Every year my family decides what to do for the holidays and where to go. Most of the time I have no say in it because my uncles insist on visiting or they invite us over. It doesn’t help that all of my family lives in Texas, California, and Mexico. This year has been the first time that we have spent Christmas and New Years here at home with just my family in a long time. Last year we took a long trip to Chihuahua, Mexico which is the biggest part/state of Mexico where my mother is from.

Throughout my life, I have never truly been positive about what area of study I would like to pursue in college or which career path I would like to follow after graduating with a degree. I always figured that I would figure out what I want to do with my life given enough time. I also believed that somewhere along the way I would develop an interest that I was passionate about that could guide my decision about the future. I found the interest that I am passionate about by chance. At the end of my eighth-grade year I was in the process of selecting the first classes of my high school career, and I decided to sign up for a first-year marketing class.

As a result, I started to apply to universities in the United States. Luckily, I was accepted and encouraged myself to leave my home in South Korea and my family behind. It was the first major step towards my career and the first time encounter with knowing how it feels to be an adult, making my own decisions. Thanks to my parents and all their support

The language, the culture, the overall environment was very different from what I used to know, but my family was always there to support me both physically and emotionally. Two years ago, when I was a senior in high school, God gave me the opportunity to attend college. Before this blessing, I was worried about my future because my family’s financial situation is not the best. My sorrows are their sorrows, and my achievements are their achievements. When I received significant financial aid to go to college, my family and I were overjoyed to see an open door.