Personal Narrative: My Single Story

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“If you're not Mexican then what are you?” is a question I have been asked so many times that I have gotten used to people saying it. Being from Guatemala has made me who I am today. From the way I grew up with a Hispanic background, people assumed that I was Mexican which soon became my single story. Throughout my life, being identified by my single story has been a challenge everywhere. I even lost sight of who I was while looking for acceptance in today’s society that I pretended to not speak Spanish so people would stop assuming that I was Mexican. Since people thought I was Mexican they would always call me names like “border jumper” or “wetback”. Being singled out because of my race with name calling became to be my single story which …show more content…
In my 9th-grade algebra class, we had to work in groups to prepare for the upcoming Unit two function test. As names were called out, I patiently waited to hear my name. Mr.Shed said, “ Elieth you work with Rosie.” Gathering my stuff to go work with her Rosie looked at the color of my skin with a disgusted look on her face and whispered Ugh why do I have to work with someone of a dirty race.” I felt outcasted from the use of her words. All I could do was sit there shocked. I felt as if my body was paralyzed not being able to defend myself or my character. Even though she had not physically hurt me she hurt my identity feeling like I was less of …show more content…
Being exposed to this situation again I could not hold back this time. On a Tuesday my friends and I organized a picnic at the park to catch up. Upon my arrival, everything was set up and the only thing missing is my one of a kind Pb and j. Meanwhile, we are all having fun and catching up until we see this group walking up to us with the most malicious looks on their faces. I was scared of the unknown of what they wanted. I was wrong all they wanted was to terrorize me due to my Guatemala typical clothing. The main guy was wearing a white t-shirt with blue jeans and sneakers, and he pointed at me smirking at the color of my skin, “Guys look we have encountered a wetback” all his friends just burst out in laughter. As the words flowed out his mouth, all I could think of was the first experience. All I see is my friends look at me with apologetic looks. I knew I could not let this happen again. My face raged with anger, but I knew I could not stick down to their level. I told myself I had to kill them with kindness. Looking at them, I start laughing confused stares from them and my friends. I told them if they want to join us for a picnic to learn more about Hispanic culture and that we are not all Mexican. As I say that I am not Mexican and that I am from Guatemala
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