Personal Statement
“I’m gonna start calling you ‘La Hippie’ now. Your name is not Betsy anymore, it's ‘La Hippie’”, Mami said with laughter in her voice, barely getting her thought out effectively.
The conversation started off as it always did, right before putting my younger siblings to bed. In the few minutes I tried to cram into her busy schedule, I eagerly started explaining to her the vision of my first single room, moving my hands as I spoke, as any Latina would do. Her observant face made me wonder what was on her mind, so I quickly wrapped up my point. After a few seconds, she started talking about the observations she had on my lifestyle — feeling spiritually connected to nature, educating and learning about environmentalism, analyzing the effect of technology and much more, all of which many Bohemians practice. Head jerking up and eyes opening wide, she holistically embodied who I have grown to be, encapsulating both the Dominican and Bohemian cultures with which I identify.
Being Dominican has always been within me, however I have also had my personal experiences, molding “La Hippie”. Having a strong spiritual connection to nature, I harness this connection by getting on my knees and gardening. Strategically gardening in a public housing area, I spark conversation with many neighbors taking the opportunity to teach them about the importance of environmentalism. Many times, my eyes become fixed on documentaries about food waste in large governmental systems to teach myself and later teach others. In a larger sense, technology is not being used to its fullest potential to create environmental advances. Rather, experience is the most effective way of learning. Being taught that my voice is my power, I have become a nonconformist, likely having a minority opinion in the weekly debates with my friends. To turn away from the negativity in my life, fashion and design acted as an outlet. Therefore, shopping at thrift stores and making DIY projects was of no hassle for me, specifically when my mother struggled to provide us with shelter and other necessities.
Living in a household full of laughter, dancing, and joy, it becomes impossible to ever forget my roots. Fluently speaking “Spanglish”, a mixture of Spanish and English and a little bit of hand movement like an R&B song featuring a hip hop artist, was our first language. Knowing Spanglish, English, and Spanish allows me to connect and educate on the truth people must know. Being bilingual, we are and continue to be the storytellers of the past, teaching others about our history like Trujillo and the assassination of the Maribel sisters. Similarly, I babble about the importance of caring for Mother Earth in which we have a responsibility of. Our speech and food bring us together with the aromatic smell filling the neighborhood of pernil, mangu, mofongo. It’s garlicky flavor calls everyone to our door, cooking pounds. I consistently still ponder about the agricultural issues in the USA that block the authenticity of Dominican produce/food.
Although these two cultures do not compliment each other, it has brought out the best in me, revealing my most uniquely authentic self. Through my atmosphere and the different experiences I have had, La Hippie was formed. Although I have gone through both good and bad experiences, from being homeless to getting opportunities I would have never imagined, I have blossomed. My experiences have made me aware and appreciative of the opportunities that have come my way. I have recognized environmental security and safety as fundamental human rights. I have learned to try to better understand people.As we get older, it becomes easier for people decrease their curiosity because of their fading naivety in getting to know the world. However, my curiosity increased, as I continually question every part of life and how it grows.But of course, this flower has yet mature in learning who she is.
