Written by: Sophia Benavente-Sayani, Cisneros Scholar ‘27
Growing up, I never called my Latinidad into question. I spoke exclusively Spanish, listened to the latest hits by Luis Miguel and Chayanne, and sipped Guatemalan café con pan (which, I insist, is the best). This all changed when I turned nine. At Culture Day in the second grade, I raised my hand and asked my teacher, “What if our parents come from two different countries?”
Often, I forgot that I am South Asian too.
At the Cisneros Institute, many Scholars, like me, share a bicultural background. I spoke with these Scholars who have redefined their notions of Latinidad as we conclude Arab American Heritage Month and welcome Asian American Heritage Month.
Nicole, a Peruvian Japanese American first-year Cisneros Scholar studying Interaction Design, bonded with her mother through their shared Japanese ancestry. They would cook Japanese cuisine on special nights, or call relatives in Japan together. Nicole remarked, “Learning to embrace my Latinidad and Japanese heritage gave me the courage to share my perspective of being Asian and Latina and to foster greater understanding of the beautiful cultures that make up who I am.”
It was not always easy. Nicole recalls the judgmental glares and hurtful comments she received throughout school. This, however, taught her resilience. Soon, she began to draw strength from her community, finding friends who also came from diverse backgrounds and shared similar experiences as women of color.
Growing up along the U.S.-Mexico border, Georgette always felt a strong connection to Mexican heritage. However, when she cooks with her Lebanese mother, Georgette experiences a link to her Arab side. Though Spanish was her primary language (her attempts at learning Arabic through Duolingo were futile), Georgette enjoys listening to Arabic music.
She aspires to be more in touch with her Arab heritage, and Washington, D.C. has played an important role in helping her achieve that. Studying and living in the nation’s capital has allowed Georgette to interact and connect with both her roots. Her favorite restaurant, for example, is Vera, which specializes in Mexican Lebanese fusion cuisine. She loves to say that she gets the best of both worlds.
Like Nicole and Georgette, I too once felt the words get caught in my throat when asked, “Where are you really from?” But just as they did, I learned to find beauty in my heritage. I understood that I had a responsibility to share my story in order to create space for others to share their own messy plate of black beans and basmati rice. Now, in Washington D.C., I am learning how powerful my perspective as a Latina Asian-American is—an identity I proudly claim.
Sophia Benavente-Sayani is a Cisneros Scholar majoring in Political Science and History. Sophia's views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.