Personal Narrative: Immigrants In America

Having an immigrant status in Los Angeles was problematic. Growing up, I always tried to fit into the typical American lifestyle by trying to erase my Mexican culture. I got to the point where I was a master in reducing my heritage. I was ashamed how Mexicans were named called “criminals” “lazy” and “drunks.” So, I believed if I tried to be more American my problems would disappear. I wanted to join every typical American sport from dance to cheerleading. I displayed my name as Amber instead of Daisy because I thought it sounded more American. In high school, everyone referred to my American name Amber. During elementary, middle school, and high school I fought every obstacle that was thrown my way when it came to my identity. I not only struggled with my identity I also struggled in school. My parents did not understand why the school was difficult for me. Being raised in Los Angeles County, I have seen many of my friends and
I struggled with speech-language until high school. It was difficult to pronounce certain words, so instead of speaking my ideas or opinions, I would stay quite. The lack of proficiency in English-made me insecure to speak in front of the classroom. Many people believed I was a shy child, yet he/she did not know the real reason why I dislike participating. School children would tease each if he/she had a Mexican accent. That made me even more worried. The fact, that I saw my father continue to struggle with the English language it always resonated with me. My father would get frustrated when he could not pronounce certain words. My father would always take my siblings or me to doctor’s appointment, insurance companies, and banks to translate for him. It was difficult being a child not knowing what professionals were saying. They would use big words that I did not understand at the time. My father would get upset and tell me why I could not translate what he/she was