Wh o Am I? I am two cultures.

I am proud to be a member of two cultures. Even though I am only ten years old, I have lived in two countries and in two cultures. I have lived in both Mexico and the United States.

I was born in the state of Michoacán. I was born in a small town called Quinceo. Life there was simple and peaceful. There was a small church where we would go to hear mass on Sundays. There was a corral where we would go and watch rodeos. After school, my friends and I would go for a swim in a creek. My mom did not work; she stayed at home taking care of our family. Life in Quinceo was nice, but money was sometimes not enough to support us.

In 1996, the day came when my dad decided to bring us to the United States. Leaving my town was hard, but it was important that my family stay together. When I left Mexico, I had a lot of special friends and nice teachers.

When I first came to the United States, I started at a new school in Chicago. I found care and company at the school, among Hispanic people, my friends, and my teacher. She helped me all the time.

My education now is different from the one in Mexico. Here, I am studying in two languages. I feel very happy because I am able to communicate in two languages. In my case, speaking Spanish is an indication of my Mexican heritage. Speaking English is a symbol of my triumph and the struggles that I have as an immigrant in this country. Now that I have been here three years, I am proud to offer my help and support to people who need it.

I urge those who come from Mexico and other countries to learn English and to continue speaking their native language, too. It will help them reach out to others.