It’s dark outside and I’m up earlier than normal for a walk to reflect on what to share for Latinx Heritage Month. Somewhere in the shuffle of gathering my things I accidently speed-dial my mom then quickly text her to apologize for waking her up. Within seconds she replies “Te caiste de la cama otra vez?” (You fell out of the bed again?). Her silly little sayings always make me smile.
My name is Michelle Guzman and I am a proud Mexican American daughter of immigrant parents. My parents left Guadalajara, Mexico to come to the U.S. when they were 19 years old. I grew up in a Spanish-speaking house in Los Angeles where my mamá cooks delicious food and my papá brings home my favorite pan dulces. I attended bilingual class through the 5th grade. Although it has taken me years to consider “ESL” an opportunity, I am grateful to have grown up speaking, reading and writing in Spanish and English. The Spanish language connects me to my culture.
I celebrate Latinx Heritage Month to honor mi gente and our beautiful cultures. This month amplifies the life that I live every day. We make tamales, salsas, and pozole. We bake flan on holidays. We play Lotería and go to our favorite Mexican markets. We celebrate Dia de los Muertos and sing “Las Mañanitas” on family birthdays. Of course we love piñatas, mariachi, and dancing to our favorite songs.
Being Mexican American blends cultures and encourages me to cross boundaries. I go to Mexico to see my family and understand where I came from. Life would be so much different had I grown up there. I take photos when I travel to capture and share the beauty and spirit of my culture.
I am so proud and lucky to work for Deckers—a company that truly encourages the celebration of culture and diversity. Feliz Latinx Heritage Month!
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