I thought you were a “hoodrat”

Cierra Garza,
Parlier, CA.

When I first moved to my new high school 15 minutes away from my hometown, I had no friends. I am now a senior in high school. I’ve met new people and made friends but, one thing that always comes up when someone is comfortable with me is the phrase, “I thought you were going to be a hoodrat when I first met you.” or “gangster” or “chola” because of where I live. Yes, I admit that where I live isn’t such a nice place. Just last week 2 kids my age where shot in a gang related crime. But, what I want people to understand is where I live does not define me. I am not a “hoodrat”, I am me.