I would like to introduce you to Alex Morales.  Alex is a first generation Mexican American.  She attends Cochise College online for journalism and digital media arts. Her dream is to be a photo journalist and travel all round the world. She lives with her parents, Abraham and Yadira Morales, who were born and raised in Mexico. Her sister, Daniella, who is still in high school as well as her dogs Coco and Niña! This is a picture of Alex  volunteering in Mexico with an organization called Share the Love that provides kids with backpacks for school as well as clothes and gifts during Christmas time!

As a budding journalist I wanted Alex to share her story of discovering her roots with you in her own 23 year old voice and perspective.  I hope you enjoy this compelling story of coming of age and embracing who you are.

Alex contemplating the beauty of Mexico City.

 

     Traveling to Mexico I had the opportunity to learn of my family’s legacy and rich history, seeing people from different countries who were learning not only my language, but breathing in my culture opened my eyes. Mexico is rich in history, I learned about how Mexico was discovered, I learned what Mecixans are, they are descendants of Mayans. I learned what they built as well as the Spanish who came. I met a woman traveling alone from Korea to experience the Museum of Frida Kahlo, along with many Europeans that lived and love Mexico City. One of the most important things I came to understand is ‘el patrimonio de Mexico’, which is the legacy of Mexico, of Mexicans. A legacy bestowed upon us, Mexicans by thousands of generations before us, our language, unique culture and way of living, artifacts, and stories, the way we dress, all the way down to the color of our skin and our features. And we are to have pride in our ancestry, and continue our legacy wherever we are. What legacy do you have to continue?

   I no longer felt less than, which I knew to be a lie to begin with, or a minority but just simply a person that was different from those from my country. And no one is better than or less than another for where they come from, their skin color, languages they speak, but people are all so different and I felt gifted the pride of knowing where I come from- proud of my ability to speak and read Spanish, content with my brown skin, dark hair, eyes, and my culture.

I may look different from some Americans and like many immigrants, my parents came here to find and give something better. This doesn’t mean that their country- my country of heritage as well- is not as great as the United States, but that there were more opportunities for them here. And yes it may be the American dream but it is also the Mexican dream and the Spanish dream, the Indian dream, the African dream and many more countries. Every culture is beautiful and rich, everyone is different and there is beauty in the diversity God made us in and for. This is why it is important to travel and to learn how God made us all in His image, we are His image bearers in different ways. Let’s explore and see the different sides of Him, everywhere, all around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

How beautiful it is to be Mexican- American. I thank God for being Mexican, for His people, and my culture, but also for the United States. I only wish I had been confident in who I was sooner, proud instead of timid of my country and all that we are. Unafraid to take space with my voice, my view of life, my culture, the beauty of my unique perspective and history yet I know I have paved the way to impact those around me. I desire for my children to have immense pride in learning who they are, where they come from and immersing them in not only their culture but the beauty of the culture and history of many other countries. Let this be.

 

Alex Morales

 

Thanks to Alex for sharing her thoughts with us.  I think Alex is a young woman with lots of adventures in front of her.  I’m glad to get to know her!  I hope you have enjoyed celebrating Hispanic Heritage month here with us. We will feature a few more women in the next weeks.  Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Carrie