Where are you from?

Descended from the ancient Mayan civilization, entrenched in my Mexican heritage, and ingrained with Western cultures. With native blood running in my veins, and with the same brown skin of the Coahuiltepec people, who roamed the same land as my native city did 14,000 years ago. I am mestizo. Mixed race, mixed lineage, and mixed cultures have highlighted my life, which is the same for most Mexicans, especially those from my city of San Antonio. With a rich history and immense diversity, the town I grew up in has shaped the way I view the world and myself. When people ask where I come from, I have always encountered the question in a very superficial way, but I have come to realize that there lies an answer with a deeper meaning, one that can change someone’s perspective about the world around them.

I was born and raised on the West Side of San Antonio. I am a Hispanic male, and I have been fortunate enough to have a loving family, a good education, and experience many hobbies and interests throughout my life. I am proud of where I grew up, and I loved my adolescent years in a city full of things to do with my family and friends. San Antonio allowed me to feel safe in my own skin, where the majority of the population was Hispanic, and my culture’s food, music, and influence were all around me. It was also the place where many friends and memories were created. As a teenager, I spent plenty of time at Six Flags, the Pearl, and the River Walk. When I had no money, which was most of the time, there was hiking, pick-up soccer games at “sporti” soccer fields, and late-night car rides on US-1604 (if the never-ending construction was on pause). But most importantly, I am from a place that has shaped me into who I am.

As I grew older and became more involved in my community, I began asking my family and local leaders questions about my culture and the city. I became observant about local politics and school systems, and came to my own conclusion about where I come from. San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the USA. It is 64 percent Hispanic, yet in my community of the West side, Hispanics are still underrepresented in media, politics, and higher education. The school district’s funding is completely misapportioned, where schools in “wealthier” neighborhoods and districts receive more funding than schools that have disadvantaged students who need more resources. Although this was a harsh reality, it allowed me not only to learn more about my roots but also to get involved in the city I loved so much. San Antonio, where I answer the question “where are you from,” is not only where I was born, but also where I truly discovered my passions for advocacy and leadership. This shaped my future trajectory and allowed me to define my true identity.

I have immersed myself in advocating for my community by stepping out of my comfort zone and teaching youth debate and public speaking skills, enabling them to share their ideas and perspectives and advocate for their communities. Knowing where you come from is not just general knowledge of the city you came from or solely your viewpoint. Fully embracing your community’s culture, understanding its past experiences, and being engaged with it can bring fulfillment by strengthening your identity, providing a sense of connection to the people around you and within your community, and giving you a sense of purpose. 

Further inquiry continues, and I began to ask myself what the question really means throughout Business 221. What else does this question mean? What is the history of where I come from? What is the history of my family? Being in an entirely different community where I am no longer the majority, the question seems different. As a first-year college student, every conversation on campus incorporates the question of “where are you from?”. Everyone around me seemed to know who they were and where they came from. As I continue to explore myself and my identity, I begin asking myself these questions. I spoke with my family about it and reminisced about all the times I learned about my Mexican heritage and traveled to Mexico. I realized that the place I grew up is a part of me, and is the reason why I am the person I am. 

San Antonio has gifted me with infinite opportunities and memories that have gotten me to where I am today. The beautiful culture and people have allowed me to stay grounded in my heritage and have enveloped me in a place where I can advocate for myself and my community. It is a place created by the same native blood, Hispanic heritage, and Western culture that I was made from. As I branch out into the world, I bring my identity along and share the memories and lessons I have learned from where I come from. It has built a foundation of my heritage and knowledge, allowing me to know my past and present self. Knowing where I come from has also provided me with character traits and belief systems that are engraved in my identity. And finally, San Antonio provided me with a purpose and drive much larger than myself.

As I navigate through life, I carry the lessons learned from my roots. For me, San Antonio is the tapestry woven from my heritage, my family’s history, and the vibrant culture that surrounds me. The question could be encountered as a chance to share your story, and spark a conversation that reveals the beauty in similarities or differences found in others’ narratives. So the next time someone asks me where you come from, respond with pride, knowing the answer is not just a place, but a journey and narrative that defines you.