Daniela Martinez

WHERE I’M FROM

I am from the Hispanic roots, From Mexico and America

I am from the sunnyside of the west coast, where the days are long and warm.

I am from the poppy flowers that grow in fields of orange

I'm from going to church every Sunday and side by side next to Luisa and Mica

I'm from the celebrations and cooking

From do good in school and be kind to others

I'm a Catholic who isn't perfect, but always follows that path of God

I'm from Palo Alto and Lantina, tamales, posole

From the cousin that inspires our family to continue our education, to the mother that sacrificed everything for her children.

I am from Puebla where my roots are at, where I help my grandma with the farming and spend my afternoons making meals for the family. Where I feel the most at home.

Fighting for a better brighter future

I grew up in Mexico City for the first four years of my life.

When I was there, I experienced all the wonderful aspects of my culture with colorful festivals, delicious homemade meals, and the historical center, but it wasn't always a cheery place. Mexico was filled with corruption. There was low pay, so one couldn't make a living for themselves, and the citizens' rights were not always respected. That's when my mom decided to take me out of there and move to America where there are opportunities everywhere one goes. Since then, I’ve been working hard to provide for myself and my mom, who has sacrificed so much for me, through my good grades and working on my free time. One day I want to give back to her, my family, and community for all they've provided me