Even though I was born and raised in South Florida, I was surrounded by the Hispanic culture because my mother is from Venezuela. Being Latina is more than just a title. It is something that I am extremely proud of. I've had an amazing support system my entire life and been a part of a culture bigger than myself. Just like everything else in life, growing up in a Hispanic family has both its ups and downs. I can describe my life as an Hispanic similar to a telenovela, one that is exciting and full of drama. It isn’t similar to that of the typical person growing up in an American family. If you grew up Hispanic, you probably had these experiences:

1. Your family was always late to everything.

2. You had a strict mother, father, or both.

3. You enjoyed getting together with all of your cousins.

4. You lived off of rice and black beans.

5. It was normal to cheek kiss every family member and family friend at gatherings.

6. You were exposed to the most delicious food.

7. When your family members were yelling at each other in the same room, you understood that was how they communicated with each other.

8. You were given Vicks Vapor Rub whenever you were sick because it was “the cure for everything.”

9. You got yelled at by your mother for walking barefoot around the house.

10. You had a very religious grandmother.

11. Going to mass every Sunday wasn’t an option in your family, it was an obligation.

12. Saying goodbye at family gatherings meant staying for another two hours.

13. You were constantly asked by your family if you had a boyfriend or girlfriend.

14. Your house was always blasting Spanish music.

15. Speaking of Spanish music, you stop everything that you’re doing and break into dance moves when you hear the song “Suavemente.”

16. When you were little, you were hit with a sandal, or belt, by your parents if you misbehaved or talked back to them.

17. When you hear your mother’s car pull into the driveway and you haven’t done your chore yet.

18. You love your family to pieces, and appreciate your culture more than anything.