Find us in:

 

 

 

SUSL Rally Writing Contest 2009

Winning Entries

<Back to the contest page>

First Prize
Ellie Garbanzo, 16
Webster Thomas High School

What does being Latina mean to me? By the definition given in the dictionary, a Latina is a woman of Latin-American or Spanish-speaking descent. This, of course, is held true to me. Being Latina classifies me into a category of race among all other women in the world. It also is a part of me; reminding me every day of who I am. And, of course it ties me to my beloved family as well as culture which I’m proud to be a part of. Being Latina, and having that essence within me has given me something extra special, something extra unique. It adds to my individuality and has been a prominent base that upholds my character.

Among people, racial profiling is commonly done at first glance when meeting an acquaintance. Everyone is sorted into a nationality as to where there from. This is done to be able to know more about them. This upcoming spring, I will be applying to my first job. A year from now, I will be applying to all the colleges of my choosing. And further down the road, I will be applying to my first job with my degree. And as I apply to all these places, which mark some of the main stepping stones within my life, I will be distinguished amongst all other competitors as a Latina. Your nationality, where you’re from, is a part of who you are. It’s part of your genetic make-up. Every day, I wake-up in the morning and as I get ready in front of the mirror; whether it be brushing my teeth or washing my face, I see myself. I see myself as who I am.

Being Latina adds to my understanding of where I come from. My parents have given me this knowledge. I am part Costa Rican and part Puerto Rican. Knowing where I’m from and being part of a family that holds a special connection makes me whole. I love them all dearly. For my family and my parents have all taught me and are still teaching me a great deal including; love, growing up, discipline, respect and perseverance. The culture of Latinos bares a unique flare of its own; from the rhythmic beats of dancing feet to the zesty music of salsa or meringue, to the timeless traditions passed through generations. Being Latina is a unique quality that I’m proud to bare within me for it has made me as I am.

 

Second Prize
Mila Delgado Sutton, 12
Spencerport Cosgrove Middle School

I have visited Puerto Rico several times and have always loved the weather, the food, the music and especially all the hugs and kisses that our family is always giving. I also enjoyed visiting the home and farm that used to belong to my deceased great grandparents: Mama Tina and Papa Geño. I wish I could have met my great grandparents but my parents and grandparents have kept the traditions and I am very grateful.

I am so proud to have been taught so much about my roots and will always strive to make my family proud of me! This includes my Taino, Spaniard and African ancestors.

 

Third Prize
Jilese Rodriguez, 11
Gates-Chili Middle School

To be Latina to me, means to be unique, I am one of a kind, there is no other person like me. As a Latina I am bi-lingual and bi-cultural .My culture lets me appreciate my uniqueness and differences. My culture allows me to speak one of the romance languages, Spanish you can even hear it in the way I speak. Even the color of my skin, makes me unique; the way I look, my “mancha de platano”, is present at all times.

Some of the things I definitely enjoy as a Latina are our food and our music. There is nothing comparable to our Latin “criollo” cuisine. I love getting into the kitchen with my abuelita and helping her make pasteles, alcapurrias, and sofrito. The time I spend with my abuelita is very special because I am learning the traditions that my family cherishes and have brought to this country. My abuelita, as well as my parents, take the time to teach me about the richness of our heritage and culture.

Being Latina allowed me to be born in a culture with music full of rhythm. A rhythm that makes your body move without you noticing it. A rhythm that makes you dance all night long. We can easily move our ‘esqueletos’ to the beat of salsa, merengue, bachata, or reggeatton and by the same way I can appreciate cumbia, tango, and flamenco. Our music is an expression of our diversity.

My parents have taught me to be the best I can be. For me being a Latina in today’s society means that you have to excel in all that you do in a very unique way without compromising your morals, beliefs, culture or heritage. It means ‘enfrentando’ my problems and doing the right thing. Accepting challenges that others may back down from because of fear of failure, or not believing in themselves. I believe in myself and standing up for what I believe in. I believe in family, respecting my elders and giving back to my community, that is what I feel is being a Latina... joven luchadora, trabajadora y vencedora!