An Open Letter to Young Latinas

Today, I participated in a panel put on by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s Latino’s on Fast Track (LOFT) program discussing health, wellness and balance in life. The panel was held at Loyola University and co-sponsored by the United States Marine Corps.

Speaking at Loyola University today to talk health, wellness and lifestyle balance on behalf of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation! Tap for details about on my outfit!

A photo posted by Michelle | The Healthy Latina (@healthylatina) on Apr 21, 2016 at 7:23am PDT

I’ve participated in panel discussions before. I love to mentor, give back, share knowledge and help lift up others to succeed, especially young Latinas.

One question today threw me to the back of my chair. A young woman asked me what she should do when her family isn’t supportive of her going to college and how she can find a support system that could help.

This question hit me hard. I could feel her pain from across the room. That question took me right back to high school. I gave a fairly quick answer about how she was the best advocate for her education and there are people who support her, she should look to friends, her teachers, etc. But I didn’t say what I was really thinking. And I’m sorry. I wish I had more time to gather my thoughts. So here’s my answer to that brave young woman in the back of the room now that I’ve been trying to find the right words all afternoon…

People will always try to tell you what’s best for you. The media. Your family. Your friends. Your boss. But no one knows what you need as much as you do. If you’re hungry for an education, you deserve to pursue it. No matter what anyone says, you will not be stopped. Your passion will be the thing that drives you. On the hard days, it will keep you going. On the great days, you might even inspire someone else. I said this earlier, but make people wonder why you’re working so hard. You will lead by example.

You will have to sacrifice a lot to get to where you want to be in life. To get an education, you need to study and learn as much as possible. You need to have the answers to the right tests. You need to be able to write well to evoke a reaction to your application essays. You’re going to need to work more than your friends to pay for what you need. You’ll miss a party (or ten). People will try to guilt trip you. They’ll question your character and your priorities. They’ll put you down. But you need to stay strong and know better. They don’t understand. Yet.

Sadly, many of the same reactions will come from your family too. They will tell you that you can’t have it all. That you should be thinking of them. That starting a family and staying close to home is what you need. You know yourself better. You can have it all. You just need to work for it. And darling, the life you build for yourself will be beautiful. And they will understand. They just can’t see the entire picture yet. You have to show them what’s best for you. They’ll be thrilled and so proud of you. Just have patience.

Until then, learn how to celebrate the small and BIG successes on your own. You don’t need validation from anyone. You deserve more than they give you credit for and are worth more than you give yourself credit for.

I’ll say that again. You. Deserve. More. You. Are. Worth. More.

So, I dare you. Do what you need. Learn what you can. Seek out the help of other Latinas who have done this before. I’m here for you whenever you need me. I’ve got a whole lifetime full of stories to help. I’ve climbed those same steps. I’ve cried those same tears. I have two degrees that propelled me forward. And an entire tribe of Latina sisters, mothers, entrepreneurs, writers, bosses and friends behind me. And so do you. You’re not alone. The door is always open. You just have to knock.

-Michelle