Before I start I would like to thank everyone so
much for coming here tonight. From far and wide,
family and friends have come to celebrate this one
day. This is more than a party. It is a way for some
to reconnect, a way for some to learn of my culture,
and most importantly is a beautiful way for
everyone to come together as a family. It is an
amazing feeling to know that this many people are
here for me, and I will say it a thousand times but
thank you all so much for this opportunity. It was
crazy and hectic along the way, but I wouldn't trade
it for anything in the world. I feel so incredibly lucky
and blessed. I know my friends and family have
been so excited, and I'm thankful they can
experience this with me. Growing up in an area
with little to no diversity, oftentimes i feel alone,
isolated, and different in a way that most do not
understand. However, knowing that all of these
people are here for me, for my culture, makes me
feel accepted and loved. I know that however hard
it may feel, how rough it can be on certain days,
that I have an army of loving and accepting people
ready to fight for me whenever. I hope that as I
continue to grow, this army will grow too, and will
be there to help not just me, but for all the others
that can be influenced by our actions and love.
Everyone deserves an army, even if it makes them
feel even a little less alone. Muchas Gracias.
-Grace Uresti
