Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

First daughter of three.

First generation to attend college.

First granddaughter.

Mother at twenty-three.

Two daughters at twenty-four.

Two crying babies in my arms.

Full time mom. 

Tired. 

But, enchanted by their love.

Two daughters with that twinkle in their eyes.

Sus sonrisas de ternura.

Su amor enorme.

Mahal Kita, my beautiful daughters.

Daughters of a Filipino father and Mexican mother.

First to marry interracially. 

First to receive a Bachelor’s Degree.

Todo para mi pequeña familia. 

Sleepless nights.

For successful outcomes.

Mejor futuro.

Setting an example for the new generation.

Para nuestra raza.

For those that believe it’s impossible.

We can make a difference.

¡Si se puede! 

By: Catalina San Diego

When I wrote this piece I was a full time college student, full time mom and wife. At that point in my life I felt overwhelmed and at the same time knowing that there will be positives outcomes from the struggles that my family and I were facing. Hopefully this piece will bring connection to many mothers and fathers that are striving to do something better.