You Have the Ability to Break Free From Your Own Little World

It's no secret that many Latinos in the United States struggle to leave their "little world." Their language and cultural barriers prevent them from reaching their full potential. This is a story about pushing myself and others who struggle with mainstream society's expectations of us. We must be aware that stereotypes can also be harmful. We must recognize when we have taken our foot off the gas pedal and immediately put it back on with unwavering confidence!

I'm a person of color, and I've learned about myself. I felt like I was meant for more than what I had. And I never stopped believing in myself. I recall taking an order from an elderly couple on a slow day, but learning to be a waitress was nerve-racking. "Good afternoon, what can I get you to drink?" I said as I stood there smiling. I recall the couple looking at me and beginning to whisper. None of it occurred to me. They looked at me, disgusted, and said "Wow, an undocumented immigrant taking our order. No wonder they take our jobs and do nothing else with their lives."

My heart rate slowed, and I could feel the heat rising from my body. I inhaled deeply and took their order. After submitting their order, I informed my boss of the situation, and she took over. I went outside the back and sobbed because I felt like a fraud. I was twenty-one years old and I was enrolled in a state university to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I felt completely alone. From then on, I took control of my life and did what I thought was best for myself. By earning a bachelor's and a master's degree, I broke through the glass ceiling. I took their words and judgment to heart by not allowing them to affect me because I knew my worth. That was not the first time in my life that I faced discrimination, prejudice, or judgment because of my cultural background. All I know is that I tried my hardest not to let other people's words or judgments affect me. It can be difficult at times.

What I've learned is that not believing in ourselves enough is sometimes the main reason we don't achieve our goals. We cannot allow other people's opinions and beliefs to influence us to not pursue our dreams. So my advice to you is to believe in yourself because you can overcome obstacles. You have the power to change your life, the lives of your family, and the lives of those around you. You have the power to change the world! Believe in yourself because you can break barriers!

All of us—Latinos, Hispanics, or however you identify—must do everything we can to break free from the chains that bind us. Those psychological shackles, with their feelings of shame and inferiority and everything else. And maybe those shackles exist only because we give them power by allowing them to get to us, thinking it's okay because it's all "we've known." Set yourself free. Break free from the belief that something is wrong with you. Break free from your fear and try new things. You have the ability to break free. Then spread your wings and take to the skies.