The hitting stopped, but the verbal abuse and drunkenness didn’t
Identity
Even though I loved school and learning, especially reading, I was made to feel ashamed for being “smart.”
Developing Identify, Self and Culture
Saw on classroom wall “without a struggle there can be no progress”
Tethered
Love is what saved me.
A Fortunate Person
I am not sorry for my errors. I am not sorry for the space I occupy.
No Pido Disculpa (I Don’t Apologize)
Let my story be a whisper.
Mi Vida (My Life)
1 Nana’s house was my sanctuary and a sea filled with many loving memories. Her roses in the backyard gave life to the hummingbirds who would stop by and the blackberry tree gave all the grandchildren a mountain to climb.
345 Wooster Avenue
I want her to be respectful, proud, to advocate for herself, to know where she comes from, to be a good person, to practice empathy, and the list goes on, right…
Mamá (Mother)
I was special and separate. Different and a part of.
Not What I Thought Would Be
As a child I felt more connected to the moon, the stars and seas, much more than to any flag or nation yearning to reconnect with my true home yet unknown.