More than a Colombiano
Where are you from? I never have a simple answer. When I visit my family in Colombia, I get called “gringo” rather than “Colombiano.” Based on my peers’ standards, I’m not even Hispanic because of the white color of my skin. I am a citizen of the United States, Colombia, Switzerland, and Canada, but that alone doesn’t explain my entire story — like how my favorite food is sushi and I have a deep interest in Middle Eastern political affairs. I find myself on a journey to define my identity, and one question keeps sticking out: Who am I really?
I am Colombian by blood and family heritage. I feel at home as I pass hundreds of 10-story brick apartments that line the highways, breathing in the noxious fumes of Bogotá. My heart races as I am welcomed by a hoard of familiar faces at my grandmother’s home, greeting every member of the family with the customary two besos to the cheek. As a family, we all stare at the television screen, wearing our bright yellow jerseys, whenever a national Colombian fútbol match is on. When I’m back home in Redmond, Washington, I am comforted when wearing my yellow “Los Cafeteros” jersey, as it connects me to my family and culture.
I am the friend others go to for help. Whether it’s finding local sponsors interested to donate money for a VEX Robotics tournament or listening to their grief after a fight with their parents, I am eager to offer advice. The more I learn about others, the more I start to learn about myself and the world around me. Joining Model UN, I became part of a team that taught me that I am a quick learner and good at connecting with others, allowing me to use these skills to make an impact.
I am the guy who can be found in the pool most days. Being underwater, surrounded by the ominous silence, allows me the opportunity to take a breather from everyday life. Outside of the water, the pool has given me a sense of community. My teammates foster a dynamic where we focus on encouraging one another, becoming stronger as individuals and challenging ourselves along the way, whether it be with the dreaded butterfly set or the team favorite, playing rat ball (dodge ball in a pool). My team’s tight relationship keeps me committed to pushing myself harder, in and out of the pool.
When I am in my business suit, I am the critical thinker, the problem-solver. Wearing my navy blue suit and blue checkered tie, with my grandfather’s gold clip, I’m up to take on any challenge. I was wearing this suit when I debated in Model UN, discussing possible solutions for ending the Yemeni Civil War and hashing out a mock compromise between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. I wore it again when checking in 400 people in an hour for TEDxRedmond, with a line still out the door, deploying my team with cell phones to check attendees down the line to make the process more efficient. By thinking on my feet, I am able to solve problems quickly and weigh the impacts solutions will have on the bigger picture.
There is no simple answer to who I am or where I’m from. I am a citizen of four countries, a mixture of each. In my Colombian jersey, I am the passionate nieto to my grandparents who treasures family and his heritage. To my friends, I am loyal, there in a pinch. I am the team-loving hydrophile who feels at home in the pool. In my suit, I am hardworking, willing to use my outgoing personality and problem-solving skills to help out my community. So who am I really? The answer will continually change, but I know I’ll make an impact on others as a future business leader. Who knows where my journey will end.