Walking home from the Aztec Festival — the end-of-year middle school celebration held in my neighborhood each June — listening to the mariachi music fade as I finish off the last bites of my churro, I’m reminded of the vibrant Hispanic culture I’ve known all my life.
Growing up non-Hispanic in Oxnard, California, a predominantly Hispanic city with deep Mexican roots, exposed me early on to Mexican American culture. Despite differences in my appearance compared to most of my peers (I was the only blonde kid in my grade), I’ve always felt included by friends, neighbors and teammates. My upbringing in Oxnard has introduced me to a new language, celebrations, food and highlighted the importance of family, all of which have influenced who I am today.
Spanish is spoken just as much as English in my community. Whether at grocery stores, downtown tiendas, parks, restaurants orschools, you’ll hear Spanish being spoken. In school, my friends communicate in both languages, switching effortlessly between the two. Though I miss some details in the conversation en Español, my friends always clue me in. As a current learner, I hope to become as fluent as they are someday.
In local hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities, Spanish is also critical. Many families speak limited English, and conveying complex, detailed information about a patient’s health can be difficult. That’s why many nurses and healthcare workers in Southern California are bilingual. I want to pursue a career in the medical field and acquire the skills to communicate effectively. Growing up in Oxnard has helped to shape my goals for biliteracy in my future career.
Celebrations have also been close to my heart. Recently, my friend had her quinceañera, and I was chosen to be one of her damas. The whole day was surreal. The hall was filled with choreographed dancing, delicious food, photo booths and extravagant gifts. My friend sat majestically in her blue dress atop her throne, the true definition of a princess, while we damas sat beside her in support. The experience is a beautiful memory that I think back on often.
Neighborhood parties are commonplace too. These encompass large families gathering for birthdays, sports or simply to hang out. Music is played, fireworks are lit, food is grilled and kids run around having fun. It’s a familial, lively scene I’ve become well-acquainted with.
Probably the best thing about my upbringing here is the food. Traditional Mexican foods such as tacos, burritos, pozole and chips (plus guacamole and salsa, of course) have always been readily available. I especially appreciate how much effort goes into cooking these meals. Individual corn tortillas are warmed in the pan before being made into tacos; tamales are made from scratch, especially at Christmas; and drinks like horchata and jamaica are homemade.
Desserts are also delicious. My favorites include pan dulce, flan, tres leche cake and churros. I enjoy conchas, a popular pan dulce (sweet bread) that comes in various colors, while catching up with my friends over breakfast at school. Though most of my friends rave about Mexican candy and there are a few I can appreciate, most are not my taste. My dad inevitably eats them.
Finally, my upbringing has taught me how important family is to Hispanics. Through thick and thin, celebrations and losses, they always stick together. Many families are also close with other families. They create a tight-knit community that spans the city and is the very heart of Oxnard.
My childhood has granted me a unique lens on Hispanic culture. Through the language, celebrations, food and family, I see a vibrant, spirited way of life. That perspective will always stay with me, inspiring how I connect with people and navigate the world.
Sydney is an avid Biosciences Academy participant, and an active indoor and beach volleyball player for her high school in Ventura, California where she will be a junior this fall.
