Written by: Nina Encarnacion, Caminos al Futuro 2019
When I first got accepted into the Caminos al Futuro program, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was excited about the new opportunity and the prospect of experiencing new things in a beautiful city, but I was nervous about the social aspect. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to form meaningful friendships and that they wouldn’t be accepting of me since I do not look traditionally Latina.
When I first arrived on campus, I saw a group of Camino’s kids but was too nervous to approach immediately, fearing they would give me a dirty look or think that I was a “fake Hispanic.” For most of my life, I’ve dealt with surprised faces and raised eyebrows every time I have told someone that my father is Dominican. I have always felt that I’ve had to prove my hispanidad.
With this worry circling in my brain, I was hesitant to insert myself immediately into their conversation but determined to make the most of the following three weeks, I mustered up some confidence and said hello. As I made small talk, asking about plane rides and learning names, all of my fears and doubts began to dissolve. Everyone I met was incredibly welcoming and genuinely wanted to get to know me. I came to understand that there’s not a specific way a Hispanic person “should look” and that my doubts about not being accepted were completely ill-advised.
Another notable aspect of this program which sets it apart from any other summer intensive or camp I’ve been in is the speed at which our group became friends. Within the first hour, we were all sitting around in a lounge room, talking and laughing. I have never felt so close to fourteen people in just one week and I sincerely feel as though this is becoming one big family.
I have also made amazing memories in just one short week. I’ve seen the beautiful architecture and design of the supreme court, I’ve toured many important national monuments and I sprinted through Foggy Bottom in the rain all in just seven days. I can not wait for what life long memories the next two weeks will bring.
Nina Encarnacion is a Caminos al Futuro 2019 scholar. Nina’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.