parents did everything they knew to help my brothers and I learn and respect our Mexican

culture. Born into American culture but raised by immigrant parents, often was difficult

for me to balance two very different cultures. There were many times while growing up that I

encountered complex situations in regards to language, whether to speak Spanish or English and

when it was appropriate. I felt a lot of pressure having to act as an interpreter for my parents when

we were out in public and definitely the most difficult was learning to fit into American culture. I

was now expected to retain the tradition and values of the Mexican culture and embrace and become

At home I was told to speak Spanish so I would not forget. When friends came to visit, I was

expected to only speak in Spanish, so as to not offend anyone. When we visited family in Mexico I

was expected to act in a manner that would not disrespect my family's name. In these situations it

was even more important to make a good impression on our extended famil

did my best to fit in. I would only speak English at school, not wanting people to know that I spoke

I remember going to the Social Security Office to help my dad fill out mounds of paperwork. Many

Some common words found in the essay are:
Security Office, Spanish English, Speaking English, Growing America, American Serving, Mexican American, Born American, Balancing Cultures, american culture, mexican american, mexican culture, speak spanish, spanish english, mexican culture parents, embrace american, fit american, spoke spanish, family mexico, balance cultures, mexican american cultures, speak spanish english, embrace american culture,
Approximate Word count = 1075
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)