La Hija de Los Tamaleros 

Mami and Papi didn't take Economics or Business courses 

They took Street Hustlin 101 that they discovered on 18th street

Through nature's law they created 10 of their very own potential hustlers

Through the corn husks they begin crawling,

Fresh Masa all over their knees

Production came next,

Spitting out tamales 

Among us constant competition

Now by the dozens they Hustle the masses

Si Se Puede

I pass by him as many times as I need to everyday during class to make sure he understands when the teacher asks the students to "turn in the worksheets." He just moved to the states around July and he is absolutely terrified of the English language. Today the work was on fractions to percents and he zoomed through it as the other students struggled with 1/2=50%. The teacher started asking for volunteers to answer the problems...

I remembered the ESL teacher asking them to practice their English at all times so I made a move. "Hey man you're really good at these why don't you try answering one?" He immediately bows his head down and shyly answers, "No Miss." My mind couldn't help but flashback to my 6th grade year during which I never spoke a single word to anyone. Fear would overtake me, the fear of knowing I was different simply because Spanish was my first language. Yes I could zoom through all the math worksheets but what good was it to me knowing what PEMDAS was, when all the other kids felt perfectly comfortable and "as a part" of the school and "American" society... All of them except for me. Why was I at a disadvantage? Why did I have to be born into a Spanish speaking family? What is the name of the famous singer that sings "hit me baby one more time?" Who are the Spice girls and why did all the girls want to be them for halloween?

I snapped back into reality. I could not let history repeat itself once again. I made a second move... "Come on I'll help you with the translations." He picks up his head suggesting to me he wants to try... He starts stumbling through the numbers "un cuarto es won forth o equals twenty-five porsent?" I nod my head at him but make sure not to smile to ensure he has no misunderstandings about his English skills. I take a step back.

Once again the teacher asks for a volunteer. His hand immediately shoots up into the air. The teacher looks around the room to choose a student. She spots a new set of fingers waving high above all others. In awe she calls his name... He replies, "won forth o equals veinti-cinco o sorri! Twenty-five porsent!"  

This is why I joined City Year. To ensure that our youth know they can reach their full potential. To ensure that they have the full support that they need. In today's scenario it was a simple, "Si se puede." Someone out there now knows that with his great voice, yes he can. He belongs, and he made not only myself proud... but he made HIMSELF PROUD.

Los Migrantes Gringos del Norte y de la Costa Este y Oeste

I have never, in my 22 years of life been surrounded by so many warming and welcoming Gringos -White People. As I write of my feelings, I am aware that some people may be offended of my use of the term Gringo. Before you begin your judgements let me clarify the reason being. Gringos is a term that was used as early as 1750 as a nickname to foreigners or strangers. As of about three weeks ago, to me, this group of Gringos that I have met had been strangers and foreigners to my everyday life. Yes, there are Gringos where I live, but to say that I had ever had a close bond or feeling of acceptance between EVEN one would be a lie. As I sit here reminiscing over the occasional and inevitable run ins with these strangers that life placed in front of me, I am at awe. Occasions such as school settings, where I would be outnumbered by these Gringos in the honor and advanced placement classes. A feeling of discomfort, and unbelonging as I would quietly listen to conversations of their picture perfect life's. Trying to form connections to my own life in my head, but not a single link would form. Now I have a completely different experience with my NEW (1st) Gringo friends! I tell them story after story about my life growing up, my culture, my family, my identity! And they always want to know more! They want to try my parents tamales, menudo, and my mom's atole de arroz recipe. They want me to teach them Spanish, even though they  speak it much better than even myself! They are eager to speak it perfectly to communicate better with the ESL students at our volunteer site. My new amigos have brought me a new sense of hope. Hope that was very much needed in my life. I know for a fact that over the years, EVERY one of my new amigos and amigas (around 70 of them) will never be forgotten in my memories. They have left their marks in my life already by making the Great Migration down South. Migrating down South for one year of service to the South Texas community. Coming from prestigious universities and backgrounds, leaving their families and their "comfort" zones to work along my side for a better manana. I look forward to the next 10 months, working shoulder to shoulder with Los Gringos del Norte, de la Costa Este y Oeste, and their espiritu, discipline, proposito, and orgullo!