My Experience As An Immigrant

As an immigrant, it is nothing out of the ordinary to encounter people who are of a different cultural background from myself. Being born in Venezuela and raised in a diverse yet predominantly Latin city within the Unite States has bred a singular perception of American and Venezuelan culture. Though one would assume it improves with practice, explaining to another person what “I am” is a daunting task. This usually involves outlining my place of birth, my upbringing, my parents’s place of birth and upbringing, and several other details. I identify as a Venezuelan-American and am proud of both my heritages. The rich traditions and intricate histories of each serve equally as focal points in my life. Despite misunderstandings and incomprehension
by many to this important fact as well as its challenge, I am happy every time I am asked about my heritage for two simple reasons. For one, each explanations demands a deep conversation about my past and where I come from, allowing me to continuously reflect on who I am. The second reason is that I am able to expand other people’s cultural horizons, something that I seek to do in every one of my actions.