8: You Come From Your Culture

I was born and raised in Spain in a traditional family with a long line of lawyers and intellectuals. My family was large and close‑knit, and some of my family members lived in the same building. At the age of 18, I left Spain for the US to attend Brigham Young University to improve my English language skills and start my translation and interpretation career. However, I experienced culture shock in Utah, where the predominantly Mormon culture was very different from my Spanish upbringing. Initially, my family did not want me to move to the US, and my father cut me off completely when I married my White husband. Eventually, my husband and I moved to Florida, where I felt more accepted. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Spanish and taught high school Spanish. I pursued a master’s degree in linguistics and taught in a dual‑language program. I became passionate about advocating for students, which inspired me to study a master’s degree in educational leadership. I am currently enrolled in an EdD program. My personal experiences have helped me in my leadership role, where I value the way people socialize with each other. I take pride in building a sense of community among educators by providing opportunities for them to connect. I chose the title You Come From Your Culture, or in Spanish [Tu persona viene de tu cultura], as a reflection of my story.