Querida hermanita,
It’s June 2023, you are about to walk across that stage and soon you’ll be off to college. I remember when you were a little girl, you were so curious to explore the world (back then your curiosity was terrifying). You were always taking risks, even if it led to eventful and traumatic experiences…ayyyy. However, I’m glad that your curiosity is still your drive. I’m so proud of you. Now, you’ve probably heard from mom that she expects you to do your best in college. Or you’ve heard from dad and he probably wants you to be safe in college. Aaron was probably celebrating because he’ll be the only child living at home now. You’re probably feeling excited and overwhelmed with emotions (honestly, same). Pero bueno, I have to give you a few words of advice before you walk across that stage. First, when they say your name stand up proud and smile EN GRANDE. Porque? Because you are receiving that diploma you worked so hard for. Remember those times you would stay up late studying? Or that one time in 9th grade when your guidance counselor (which was my guidance counselor) dismissed you because he wasn’t sure how to help you? Or those times you would cry in frustration? You survived all of that…so feel proud and excited! Now, you’re going to hear from our parents to behave and yada yada (you already know how they are). But I wanted to give you real advice. There will be moments where you will feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. As if your voice isn’t heard. You may feel as if you’re not competent enough or you don’t belong, something we call: imposter syndrome (insert that one SpongeBob rainbow meme). I could argue: “you’re not playing Among Us therefore…you’re not an imposter”. Or I could tell you that you only feel like an imposter because of society…but…I don’t want to go there. Not today. Today we’re celebrating you. Okay. I’m not finished yet! My next tip would be to bring your Latinidad with you. There is no need to limit your Latinidad to home, your Latinidad is your greatest asset (of course like everything it comes with repercussions). Some days you will be reminded of these repercussions, especially in classes where you talk about social justice (I know you will be taking these classes since it’s something you have always been passionate about). You will be challenged to talk about your experiences and it’ll be exhausting and a relief. Sometimes your Latinidad will cause you to question your credibility when you’re with a group of friends, in classes, in internships, in college, or society. While that’s not okay, just know that you know your truth, so speak it. Finally, my last piece of advice will be to bring your curiosity with you. Just like you brought it with you when you decided to go for a swim on your own (you nearly drowned, which wasn’t cool, but you ended up learning how to swim). Or that time you started drawing and discovered your love for the arts. Your curiosity pushes you and makes you resilient, so use it. Now, go get that diploma and celebrate! Te amo!
Con mucho amor,
Dannet Morales Herrera