Tricia
Redlands, CA
I am a Mexican American that grew up in a home that did not speak Spanish. Both my mother and father were Mexican Americans born in California and their parents didn’t speak Spanish in the home as well. One time I asked my grandfather why he didn’t teach his children Spanish. His response was, “Why would I? We are in America.” My Hispanic patients often get frustrated with me and seem annoyed with the fact that I don’t speak Spanish. I have taken Spanish classes in high school and college and attempt to communicate with my patients by using my minimal Spanish skills. Many Hispanic friends tease me that I am a “white girl” while white people view me as Mexican. Honestly, all that matters to me is how God sees me!
