Creating a Space for Embracing Your Roots: Las Raices Queridas

Approximately one year ago, from the day this was written, we were both accepted to the University of California, Los Angeles. Since then, we have experienced a great deal of joy, imposter-syndrome, and even nostalgia when navigating this large school and education system; these feelings of pain, joy, and desire to be better were the catalyst for the creation of Las Raices Queridas. This blog and our Instagram page began as a mere idea stored in the confines of our dorm room as we discussed the struggles of being first-generation college students in a country where we had to watch our loved ones struggle daily to make ends meet.

My family immigrated to the United States when I was only four years old and have lived as undocumented immigrants for over a decade. My mother and father took on multiple jobs at once to help us get by and to give me a stable household. At a young age, my mom taught me the value of hard work, dedication, but most importantly the power of authenticity. The sacrifices that were made for me ignited my love for activism, my community, and my roots. Similarly, Gabby was raised in a single-mother household, where her mother immigrated to the United States in hopes of gaining better opportunities and creating a better life. Her mother made various sacrifices to create a stable household for both of them. Growing up, Gabby was taught independence, hard work, perseverance, and authenticity through something she grew close to and was raised by as well: her community. Through her community, she learned the true meaning of family and what it was like to have a home.

With the infinite sacrifices of our loved ones to leave behind their culture, home countries, only to come to a new one where they do not speak the language and are forced to work heavy jobs, we have learned to recognize our privilege, struggles, but most importantly our duty to make a change and amplify voices.

Marginalized communities have been under attack since as early as when America was stolen from the hands of our ancestors. We have been the punching bags of White supremacy as our people have been forced to endure inhumane conditions. Las Raices Queridas was created to amplify the voices of people who are tired of the injustices against our people and are looking to put an end to it through creative outlets, education, and even just spreading awareness.

We both thank you for coming with us on this journey of self-acceptance, love, and resilience through our ideas, projects, and creative outlets. From topics ranging on mental health, to gentrification, immigration, and first-generation education, we have to make this a holistic and empowering experience. We are grateful to have this platform to help give our opinions and advice on things that we wish we knew before or simply just want the world to know. With our hearts in our hand, we present to you original content that highlights the beauty of marginalized people in hopes of creating a space for those who do not adhere to the status quo and fight for their communities. And with that we present to you Las Raices Queridas: make it yours, claim and take up space because nuestra cultura, nuestras raíces, y nuestra raza es resiliente y poderosa.

@lasraicesqueridas