I was born in upstate New York,  in the city of Rochester to be exact. My parents moved back to Puerto Rico soon after my first birthday, and I  spent my early, formative years there. The culture and language of my country was just as much a part of who I was and was becoming, […]

The fourth in the “Defining Moments: Search for Identity Series.” This one comes to us from educator and writer, Cindy Tovar. Read more of her personal blog, Hispanecdotes and follow her on Facebook and Twitter, @Dagny32 The music is blasting, the lights are dim, and I’m in my element. My eyes search the crowd, looking for someone who can show […]

As I recounted a few weeks ago in A Latina identity crises resolved, finding–or I guess rediscovering may be more correct–my Latina identity has not been easy. It’s taken a lot of soul searching, reading, a TON of writing, and a journey back to the home of my youth in Puerto Rico. Do I have […]

Originally published as “At a Loss for Words” at Being Latino Online Magazine At the age of 7 ½  my parents decided to separate and Mami packed up my three siblings and me, and we left Puerto Rico; Chicago bound.  I had graduated first grade just a few months before and had confidently learned to […]