I have never felt as Hispanic as I feel in Brazil. This might come off as a bit strange, but it is true. Back at home I only speak the Spanish language with my family. Most of my friends are not Hispanic and therefore I almost never embrace my Hispanic side. Here in Brazil, I speak Spanish with a lot of students who come from countries such as Mexico, Spain, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Columbia.

What makes me feel like my Hispanic roots have flourished more is not only speaking the language, but the Brazilian culture itself. Every time I tell people I am an American, I get bombarded by phrases such as “You look Brazilian!”, “Where are you REALLY from?”, “You have Latin American influence right?”,”Do you speak Spanish?”, “I don’t believe you” and so on. At that point I explain my Hispanic roots and people feel more comfortable simply calling me Honduran or Salvadoran (representing the countries where my parents are from), instead of calling me an American. There are many notions and images of what a “typical” American should look like. I can’t complain though. It saves me from being called a gringa. Besides what people perceive me as, the Brazilian culture is a lot closer to my family life than the typical American culture. Latin beats in music, the love to dance, close-knit families and very embracing people is what come to mind when I think of my own family’s culture and it is what I get here so I feel like I finally have thoroughly explored my Hispanic roots. I feel quite happy with this fact. It’s a world that’s different yet similar to me and I’m glad to be experiencing it.

My mother told me my face looked like it was glowing today. I told her that that is what happens when you are indescribably happy and content with life.

Location: Fundacao Getulio Vargas, Sao Paulo, Brazil