Keila Ochoa,
Houston, TX

p>My name is Keila, and I am a 1st generation Mexican American. Growing up, I typically spoke Spanish fluently, but I spoke more English because of school. I was always embarrassed when surrounded by other Hispanic kids who spoke better Spanish because my Spanish was not as good. So people always think I’m whitewashed or don’t try to learn my native tongue. I know many people who weren’t taught Spanish because their parents wanted them to be saved from bullying, so I think it’s important to recognize that many people don’t always have the best Spanish.
Lone Star College at University Park.