The Journey

From sunrise to sunset on a hot arid day in July, my dad drove us from Mexico to the United States. We carried our hopes and dreams across the border in our small sedan. It was a two-day trip and my family, and I made a quick stop in Nuevo Laredo to enjoy the authentic cuisine of the north of Mexico. I enjoyed the familiar flavors of homemade orange juice, chilaquiles, and of my beautiful Mexico one last time. On our way to the border, my mom snapped a photo of me besides a large agave plant, a picture that became very meaningful. The picture is a representation of my own journey of resilience, determination, and transformation.

When we arrived in Texas, I could not speak English. I was starting the third grade soon. I was nervous, but excited. On my first day of school, I was shy, and worried about how I would communicate however, I was determined to learn English. Within three months, I had learned the language, an accomplishment made possible by the unwavering support of my parents. They sat and read with me every evening, ensuring I would not fall behind at school. They have always been my biggest supporters and have valued the power of education. I am grateful to my ESL teachers, who advocated for me, guided me, and cultivated my confidence as I learned to navigate a whole new world at just eight years old.

The transition of adapting to a new place and country was not easy. There were difficult moments when I was bullied for having an accent or not speaking English. However, each challenge only made me stronger and grew my courage. Today, my culture and first language, Spanish, empowers me. Currently, I am a fourth-year student doctor and speaking Spanish with my patients allows me to bridge gaps in care, to be a voice for those who feel unheard, and to advocate for individuals who, like my younger self, navigate a world that does not always understand them. This journey of perseverance has given me my purpose in medicine which is to advocate for patients who may feel in the shadows and ensure they are seen and heard. I often miss the family, friends, and memories I made when we left Mexico, but I also learned to be brave and found my purpose. Now, I will passionately advocate for all those patients who get a sense of relief when they see a familiar face and ask “Mija, do you speak Spanish?” and I proudly say, “Si.”