Hola, como estas y’all? I wish I could give you more, but that’s about the extent of my “GeorgiaRican” use of Spanish on any given day. Growing up as a third-generation Puerto Rican, Spanish wasn’t my first language. Hard to believe, I know. I can already feel some of y’alls eyes judging me. Don’t worry, I get it all the time. I grew up receiving all the questions I’m sure many of my third-gen kids can relate to: “You aren’t fluent in Spanish? Why not?”or “Your parents should be ashamed. They had one job. In my house we only speak Spanish.” Oh, and my favorite of all, “You don’t have enough color in your friend group; you need to make more Hispanic friends; how else are you going to find a husband?”
I’d like to clear some misconceptions. I can’t speak for all third-gen kids, but I sure can speak for me. I’m not fluent in Spanish—not because I haven’t tried learning. I’ve taken all the classes, downloaded all the apps, but hello? I live in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, nuff’ said. 2) Why are you surprised English was my first language? Of course English was my first language; I was born in Florida. Besides, my parents didn’t want me to be made fun of in school for being different or for being behind like my older brother was. As if school isn’t hard enough. 3) Just because I don’t speak Spanish doesn’t mean I’m any less Puerto Rican than a fluent Boricua is.
Now that I’ve said my peace, let’s get to the pros here. Being a third-gen is a privilege. Here’s why: 1) I get to belong to more than one culture. I love being American, this country is my home. However, Puerto Rico is in my blood. Cut me open and sofrito and adobo will come right out. 2) My cultural duality has made me a better person. I can relate to others in a way our society today seems to struggle with. I’ve learned to appreciate all the things that make people different, and I know from firsthand experience that I can learn and grow from the differences I see all around me. 3) THE FOOD, Y’ALL. My upbringing consisted of arroz con habichuelas, mofongo and flan, but I also got to enjoy biscuits and gravy, grits, and dumplings. Best of both worlds, am I right?
I am who I am because of where my parents are from, and I am who I am because of where I was born. In my opinion, we could all gain from adopting little gems from the cultures we’re blessed to be surrounded by here at Southern. Let’s open our eyes (and taste buds) to what this campus and the world has to offer, because I truly believe that diversity is a gift from God that I get to experience every day of my life. Thanks, Mom and Dad.
