It’s Something I Embrace

My life experiences are very rich as a bicultural Mexican American.

For example, this morning I went to check on the jet ski slips. It’s that time, and I’m looking forward to getting out on Lake Michigan. I was wearing my work khaki pants, work boots, my Mexico shirt with our Aztec calendar, and my hat.

A few people from the club were there and asked when the grass was going to be cut. They assumed I was part of the landscaping crew.

This happens once in a while, and I usually just go along with it. This time I said, “I think it’s going to start next week, we’re looking forward to the season.”

I walked back to the truck and saw some fellow hermanos doing work at the clubhouse.

I said, “Buenos días, patrones, ¿cómo están?” They responded, “Bien, buen día.”

“¿De qué parte son?” One said Michoacán, the other Hidalgo. I told them I was from Guanajuato, and familiar small talk ensued. (In these type of unplanned encounters, the responses are usually with surprise due to my fluency and my manifested pride in our roots.)

Then I walked away wishing them a buen día.

On the way home, I stopped at a local coffee shop where I bumped into some fellas I know. After a brief conversation about restaurants closing and the weather, I mentioned a party I’m hosting later this summer with a food truck and live music. I closed, asking if they had any recommendations for tent rentals.

On my way out, coffee in hand, a chap was getting out of a beautiful, 911 Carrera. He appreciated my truck and asked about it. I told him it’s a 1983 Scottsdale and that I brought up from Mexico. That it was mi papá’s.

Driving back home, I smiled cause these are the kinds of experiences I embrace, the ones I’m proud of. The opportunity to live in two cultures, two worlds, and to genuinely appreciate both.

That it isn’t something I switch between, it’s something I embrace.

They are my identity.

My Auténtico Self™