It certainly had a huge impact on my development. Shortly after I turned 2, my parents decided to leave Mexico to give my brother and me a better future. My father had lived here for many years, but my mother wanted to stay there. I had to learn a new language when I started school, because my parents only spoke Spanish at home. At school I was criticized for being different, so I learned to accept everyone and not pick on anyone because they weren't like me, this made me more open of spirit. My parents always worked hard and I was taught to do the same. I've had a job since I was 13. I realized the enormous sacrifices my parents made and everything they left behind when they left this small town in Mexico. My parents didn't go to college, so they always pushed me to do well in school, so I always do my best. I definitely think growing up as a Latina definitely played a huge role in my