Chapter 1: Belonging and Being Enough

By all accounts and purposes, I had “made it”—the American Dream standing before you. The daughter of an immigrant single mom who grew up in subsidized housing and ate enchiladas made with government cheese, was now assistant superintendent in one of the largest school districts in the nation. Now, my name carries lots of titles, credentials, and scholarly distinction, albeit it is a mouthful to pronounce. My role often requires me to attend events that ask for a biography—a long-winded introduction, “Dr. Fabiola Bagula, Assistant Superintendent, Cesar Chavez Visionary Award winner …,” full of accomplishments, accolades, and awards that sometimes left me in awe, but mostly I could hear my cousin’s voice saying, “Ay, ay, bien chingona.” Carrying the public burden of success on shoulders that had culturally learned integrity is humble… it’s exhausting. But I learned I had to enter the room with my achievements on my lapel, or I would be received differently.