Cristal Montes

Ms. Fong
English 1S
January 4, 2016
I think some of the most important aspects of my identity are that I am a humble person
and I am Mexican-American. All my life, I grew up watching my parents struggle to provide for
my siblings and I. I believe seeing them struggle living paycheck to paycheck, made me a
humble person. I understood that there were some times where I wasnt going to be able to get a
toy because the rent had to be paid. Whenever there was an opportunity to obtain a toy or
something out of the ordinary, I was always grateful. I knew how hard it was for my parents to
not always be able to provide what we want, but we definitely always had what we needed.
Although my family and I would tend to move a lot, we always had a roof over our heads and
food on the table. Growing up a little underprivileged made me appreciate what I did have a little
bit more. Since most of the time my father worked two jobs, my mother would be the only parent
at home with my siblings and I. Ever since I could remember, she would tell me that she knew I
would be better, and do better than my father and her. She would always remind me that I had the
potential to achieve any goal I set for myself.
I was always taught to be proud of where I came from. Although I have never visited,
both of my parents are from Mexico. My father is from Veracruz, Mexico and my mother is from
Guanajuato, Mexico. It was always so interesting to me to see the two cultures collide in my
household. One of the biggest differences that amused me was the different ways they make
mole and tamales. Mole from Veracruz is a little sweet and their tamales are made on banana
leaves. While in Guanajuato, the mole is spicy and the tamales are made on corn leaves.

Although my parents are from Mexico, I was born in the United States. My first language was
Spanish, and once I entered Kindergarten I learned English. I grew up being very familyoriented. It was normal for all my family to be over on Saturdays and Sundays for barbeques.
Although I didnt appreciate cleaning my room after having ten or so little cousins playing in it.
My aunts and uncles would share stories about how it was growing up in Mexico with 14 other
sisters and brothers. I always appreciated that although the United States was different than
Mexico, my family never let my cousins or siblings and I forget where we came from.
Being a humble person and Mexican-American strongly influence the way I react when I
encounter situations. I get upset when I see how materialistic or inconsiderate an individual can
be, especially a child. Not everything in life is about who has the biggest house, or the car of the
year. The majority of people tend to forget to be grateful for the simple act of being alive. Also,
with the controversy surrounding Donald Trump running for president, people tend to attack my
race. Its unfair that are individuals that feel superior to other people simply because of race. At
the end of the day, we are all humans and equal in Gods eyes.