Whether it be waiting in line to get a cherry-flavored "Piragua" or hearing the sound of a car radio blasting the latest Romeo Santos song down the street, I rarely had a dull moment growing up in Washington Heights.

I grew up in a primarily Dominican community, and from a young age, proudness of my heritage was instilled upon me. I spoke Spanish the majority of the time in my household, I would watch novelas with my grandmother until the late evening, and every day I would help my mother cook a hearty meal that would fill me up for hours.

Washington Heights made me feel normal in my tan skin, curly-ish hair and slight twinge of a Spanish accent. It made me feel normal being Latina because no matter where I turned, I saw people who looked like me, spoke like me, or resembled something I had familiarized myself with.

For decades, Washington Heights has been plagued with negative connotations, influenced by the reign of violence and drug use in the 80's and 90's. Nowadays, there is less violence, as well as more police protection. Due to living in Washington Heights my entire life, I've seen a firsthand account of the difference.

Whether I end up staying in Washington Heights, or I go somewhere else pursuing my career, one thing is certain. I will never be ashamed of where I came from, and I will always appreciate the comfortability, proudness and knowledge I gained from living in Washington Heights.