People say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, however if that were completely true, then nobody would have guessed that I came from a very traditional Mexican home. A home where politics were rarely discussed at the dinner table. A home that contradicted many of my ideals. A home that somehow “bred” a liberal even when my parents said pro-life when I said pro-choice, and said anti-same-sex marriage while I was for it. Though I didn’t always speak what was on my mind; oftentimes, I silenced my voice in order to have my family’s approval.

Growing up as a woman in a traditionalist Hispanic house was difficult, especially when I began to contradict my parents’ ideals. Any girl living in a home like mine will tell you that we were expected to cook and do chores instead of catching up on the latest political debate. Some from my predominantly Hispanic community told me that I had no business dealing with politics, that it was a “man’s job” and that I should stick to “female” professions such as psychology and sociology. While those are very respectable professions, I know that I am meant to go into a career in politics or journalism. I want to express my voice, a voice that was silenced for so long.

I remember seeing a pro-life movement on the news once and for several moments, I pondered why people were so against abortion when I believed that a woman had the decision. 12-year-old me decided to ask my mom why the government had a say in what a woman did her body. Offended, my mother began to state all the reasons why we needed to support the pro-life movement, not letting me voice my own views. Her long discourse intimidated me, causing me to shape my views to coincide with her. I thought that she must have been right because she was older and therefore more knowledgeable. For years, though, I continued to ponder why anyone had a say in a woman’s decision over giving birth.

As I went through my high school journey, it became harder to avoid having my ideals contradict my parents. I didn’t understand why my parents didn’t believe in unconditional love as they argued against same-sex marriage. Why shouldn’t my best friend have the right to get married if he finds a man he loves? Why can’t they just accept that love is love, despite the genders involved? My ideals got more and more liberal until finally, a project for my AP US History class got me to speak up for what I believe in. I had to do a research presentation on my favorite era of US. The revolutionary social movements of the 1960s quickly came to mind and my research on the countless movements began. Hundreds of young adults were speaking their voices to make a difference, often going against their traditional parents. I wasn’t quite ready to go out and protest, but this project inspired me to think for myself and not worry so much about forming my own views on the world.

When same-sex marriage was legalized in all 50 states during the summer of 2015, it was celebrated throughout the country because love no longer had barriers. However, while I was happy that people could finally marry whoever they wanted, regardless of gender, many in my community did not approve. Some of my extended family members criticized me for being in support of this decision, and, tired of silencing my thoughts for so long, I finally had the courage to speak for what I believe in. I demonstrated to everyone that even if I came from a conservative Mexican home, the product wasn’t another conservative, but instead a liberal who is not afraid to speak her mind arose. Much to my surprise, my parents did not stop me from saying what was on my mind. Instead, they respected my opinions. It was a new beginning, and from that point on, I knew that I would never conform my ideals because they’re what make me the person I am. And I am happy with the individual I have become.

My parents still disagree with me on many social issues, but with time, we have learned to not force each other to believe in what we believe in. Instead, we “agree to disagree.” Most importantly, as I proceed to pursue a political science major, my parents have supported me in this decision because they have seen my passion for politics and social movements. My parents may never walk alongside me in a protest, but I know that they will walk by my side through the good and the bad.