Finding Your True Self: Navegando Dos Mundos as a First-Gen Latina
Growing up as a first-gen Latina, especially here in Southern California, can sometimes feel like you’re stuck between two worlds; Ni de aquí, ni de allá. On one side, you have your family’s culture and traditions, and on the other, there’s everything you’re navigating in the U.S. It’s not always easy to figure out how to blend the two. But finding a sense of self that honors both your roots and who you are today is possible—and rewarding.
Biologically speaking, you carry the DNA of your ancestors, all while being socialized into American culture. Wires can sometimes feel crossed, leaving you frozen and confused about conceptualizing our identity.
Embrace Your Roots
Your culture is such a big part of who you are, and embracing it is a great way to start understanding yourself better. Whether it’s speaking Spanish at home, celebrating your favorite holidays, or enjoying the food you grew up with, these traditions are a part of your foundation. You don’t have to pick between your heritage and living in the U.S. — you can make space for both in your life.
Finding Balance Between Cultures
For many first-gen Latinas, balancing what your family expects and what American culture throws your way can be tricky. It’s important to find a balance where you feel like you're being true to both. Give yourself permission to set boundaries and decide what works best for you. You get to create your own version of being Latina y Americana at the same time.
Letting Go of Guilt
It’s common to feel a bit of guilt as a first-gen Latina. Maybe your family made big sacrifices to give you opportunities, and now you feel the pressure to meet all their expectations. Just remember: it’s okay to follow your own path. Your success and happiness are things to celebrate, and your family can be proud of you, too.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
In many Latinx families, mental health isn’t always something we talk about. But taking care of your mental health is so important. As a first-gen Latina, you might feel like you have to be strong and figure things out on your own, but that’s not true. Therapy can be a great way to work through challenges and help you feel more connected to who you are. Prioritizing your mental health shows strength, not weakness.
Build a Support System
Having people around you who understand your experiences can make a huge difference. Whether it’s friends, family, or a therapist who gets what it’s like to be first-gen, having that support can help you feel seen. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who can share advice, their own stories, or just listen when you need it.
Redefining Success for Yourself
What does success mean to you? That’s a big question, and the answer might not be the same for you as it is for your family or people around you. Maybe your family focuses on getting a good education or landing a certain type of job. Those are great goals, but it’s also important to figure out lo que tú quieres. Success can mean a lot of different things, and only you can decide what it looks like for your life.
Celebrate Your Wins
As a first-gen Latina, you’ve worked hard to get where you are, and that’s something to be proud of. Sometimes we downplay our achievements, but don’t forget to celebrate your wins—grandes o pequeñas. Every step forward is a reflection of your effort, so take time to appreciate how far you’ve come.
Final Thoughts
Finding your sense of self as a first-gen Latina can feel complicated at times, but it’s a journey worth taking. By embracing your culture, seeking support, and prioritizing your mental health, you can carve out an identity that feels right for you. Therapy can be a safe place to explore all these parts of yourself and help you feel more confident in who you are.
De aquí y de allá,
Elsa
