My Reflection

 Hey Guys!

    Welcome back! In this week's blog post, I will be reflecting on my two cultures as well as the posts that I have written throughout my blog. As I look back on the blog posts I’ve written about my Irish and Mexican heritage, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. Exploring and sharing these two rich and vibrant cultures has been both a deeply personal journey and an opportunity to connect more with my roots.

Writing about my Irish background brought me back to Saturday mornings listening to Irish radio, answering trivia questions with my mom, and the joy of Irish dance lessons in elementary school. These posts reminded me of how much my mother’s upbringing in Connemara shaped her—and, in turn, me. I  cherish the memories of meeting my aunts in Dublin and the warmth of the Irish spirit that feels like a second home.

    As I reflect on my Mexican roots I see that they were just as impactful. I’ve come to appreciate how deeply my father's heritage shaped my perspective on family, food, and celebration. Writing about this side of me was an opportunity to honor the resilience and beauty of the Mexican culture, as well as its deep connections to the community and family.

    For me, growing up with parents from such distinct cultures meant navigating and celebrating differences while discovering similarities. Writing about this dual identity helped me understand how these experiences shaped who I am today—a blend of passion, warmth, and a unique appreciation for cultural diversity. Through these posts, I hope I’ve given readers a window into how my Irish and Mexican heritages have not only coexisted but thrived together in shaping my life!

Ireland and Mexico: Two Trips, One Heart

Welcome Back!

In this week's blog, I want to reflect on the similarities and differences between my trips to Ireland and Mexico. Both gave me such a beautiful insight into the parts of my identity I hadn’t fully experienced before, and I’m so grateful to have these memories to look back on. These trips will always hold a special place in my heart.

The biggest similarity between the two trips was how much they centered around family. Meeting relatives for the first time was such a big deal for me. In Ireland, I spent a day with two of my aunts and one of my cousins, making memories I’ll cherish forever. But in Mexico, I got to spend over a week with my dad’s entire side of the family. It was incredible. By the end of the trip, it felt like I’d known them my whole life—it was so comfortable and natural like I’d grown up surrounded by them.

Another similarity was how much these trips helped me connect to my heritage. In Ireland, I soaked up the vibrant energy of Dublin, stayed on the historic Trinity College campus, and got to enjoy live music at a pub. In Mexico, I embraced my dad’s hometown by trying authentic foods like tamales and pozole, visiting my grandparents’ ranch, and even seeing the schools my dad went to as a kid. Both trips left me feeling so connected to where I come from and made me want to go back and explore even more.

Of course, there were some differences too. The main reason for each trip was different—my Ireland trip was part of a study abroad program through Bradley University, where I got to take a creative writing class. Mexico was a more personal trip, a Christmas gift from my parents so I could finally meet my family there and learn more about my dad’s side.                        

Each trip had its own challenges. In Ireland, I had to deal with travel hiccups like lost luggage and layovers that felt like they’d never end. In Mexico, I faced delays from a snowstorm in Chicago and had to figure out my way through the Mexico City airport, which was a little stressful.

The atmosphere of the two trips couldn’t have been more different. In Ireland, I was in the middle of Dublin, a lively and bustling city full of history and charm. In Mexico, I was in a rural town surrounded by nature and a close-knit community. I loved both settings for different reasons, but there was something so special about how vibrant and creative Mexico felt, with artisan shops and traditions everywhere you looked.

            Looking back, I can’t even put into words how much these trips meant to me. I’m so glad I got to take them now, at this age because if I had gone when I was younger, I don’t think I would have appreciated them as much as I do now. These memories will always be part of me, and I can’t wait to add more chapters to this journey as I keep exploring where I come from and the amazing cultures that make me who I am.

My trip to Europe!

Welcome!

This week on the blog, I’m excited to share about my first trip to Ireland! This year, I had the unique chance to visit both of my home countries, Ireland and Mexico, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had this experience.

My journey to Ireland was part of a study abroad program I joined over the summer, where I took a creative writing class during a two-week trip split between Edinburgh, Scotland, and Dublin, Ireland. Thanks to the Foster Family Scholarship from Bradley University, my travel expenses were fully covered, a huge opportunity I’m so grateful for! My mom was just as thrilled as I was, especially since I’d be meeting my aunts in Dublin for the first time. 

After an exhausting flight and chaotic layovers, we finally landed in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, my luggage got stuck in London, and all I had were Crocs for the first three-hour walking tour.  Thankfully, my luggage arrived by evening, and after grabbing a bite, I collapsed into bed, completely jet-lagged.                                

Scotland was magical, with cobblestone streets, castles, and historic sites. I didn’t love the food, but I made two wonderful friends, Emma and Haylee, who made every moment an adventure. I also became closer with a girl I had met in a couple of my classes before (Marina :) ) We were all  inseparable by the time we reached Dublin.                      

Arriving in Dublin felt surreal. My mom was overjoyed to know I was in her home country, and as we drove to our stay at Trinity College, I immediately felt the city’s energy. Dublin was vibrant, diverse, and less gloomy than Edinburgh. Staying on a 400-year-old campus was also surreal!                        

Our days in Dublin were filled with exploring, writing about our experiences, and meeting people from all over—Dutch, French, English, and of course, Irish locals. My friends and I frequented a little sandwich shop, and I felt as though I could truly make a home there. Meeting up with my aunts and cousin was a highlight; we got matching claddagh rings and enjoyed live music at a pub, a memory I’ll cherish forever.                 

This trip left me with beautiful experiences and lasting friendships. I can’t wait to return to Ireland one day and continue exploring its magic!

My Trip to Mexico!

 Hey There! 

    In this week's blog, I'm sharing a memory that's very close to my heart: my first trip to Mexico last January. As a Christmas gift, my parents surprised me with tickets to visit my dad’s hometown in Oaxaca. It would be my first time in Mexico, and I couldn’t have been more excited!

    In the days leading up to the trip, I was a mixture of excitement and nerves as I packed and prepared. Even though I’d spoken with my family over the phone and on Skype, I was anxious about meeting everyone in person. My Spanish is decent, but I was worried the language barrier might make it hard to connect. Thankfully, three of my cousins spoke English, which gave me some comfort, knowing they’d help bridge any gaps.

    The morning of my flight, I had an early wake-up call for my 6 a.m. departure—but Chicago had other plans, greeting me with a snowstorm. After a two-hour delay, we finally took off, and I landed in Mexico City around 2 p.m. Navigating the airport was a bit nerve-wracking since my dad had warned me to stay vigilant and follow the signs carefully. I managed to make it to my gate just in time for my flight to Oaxaca, exhausted but brimming with excitement.            

    When I arrived, my uncle and cousin were waiting to greet me. It was such a joy to see them, and we set off for my dad’s hometown—a three-hour drive through winding mountain roads. By the time we arrived, I was car sick and tired, but as we pulled up to my grandparents’ house, all of that faded. Eduardo and Victor, two of my cousins, were waiting with big smiles, and the excitement was contagious. When I stepped inside, I was overwhelmed. My entire family—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—were all there, waiting for me. They cheered when they saw me, and I couldn’t hold back my tears. It was a moment of pure happiness and gratitude, and I hugged each one of them tightly. That night, after we’d all gathered for tea and snacks, I finally drifted off to sleep, feeling deeply content.                                                

    The rest of the trip was an immersion in my father’s hometown, filled with rich cultural experiences. My aunts showed me around, even taking me to the schools my dad attended, which was surreal to see. One highlight was visiting my grandparents’ ranch, where I got to try traditional foods like pozole and tamales, ride a horse, and even shoot a shotgun—a completely new experience! Every moment felt like a gift, and being surrounded by family made it all the more special.            

    Leaving was just as emotional as arriving. Though I had only been there for a week, I felt so at home that it was hard to say goodbye. I’d grown so attached to the place and the people that I could imagine myself living there. It’s amazing how you can travel to a country, meet family, and feel as if you've known them your whole life. My family in Oaxaca was so welcoming and warm, and I can’t wait to go back soon.

Traditional Drinks Edition

Hey Everyone!

    In this week's blog, I’m excited to share some traditional drinks from both my Irish and Mexican backgrounds. Growing up, I had the chance to enjoy many of these, and now I love making them for friends and family when they visit.

    Starting with Ireland, the most iconic drink – which you may have guessed – is tea! The favorites are typically Irish Breakfast Tea and Barry’s Tea, both strong black teas enjoyed daily across the country. Irish Breakfast Tea is a robust blend, usually served with milk and sugar, while Barry’s Tea is often enjoyed with just milk. Another unique Irish drink is buttermilk, which might surprise some, as it’s mostly used in baking in the U.S. But in Ireland, especially in the countryside, it’s a tangy, thick milk drink enjoyed on its own. Elderflower Cordial is another favorite, especially in summer. This sweet, floral syrup made from elderflowers is mixed with sparkling water for a refreshing drink.          

    Over to Mexico, a beloved classic is Horchata, a creamy, rice-based drink with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Another popular drink, especially around Día de los Muertos, is Atole. This warm, thick drink is made from masa (corn dough) mixed with water or milk and sweetened with cinnamon, vanilla, and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) – perfect for chilly weather. Champurrado, often enjoyed during the holidays, is a rich chocolate version of Atole. Lastly, there’s Café de Olla, a traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo, giving it a warm, spiced sweetness.

    
    If anyone wants to try making these, let me know! I’d be happy to share the recipes. I definitely recommend giving these drinks a try!

Timeless Traditions

Welcome Back!

In this week's blog, I’ll be sharing a couple of meaningful traditions from each side of my cultural heritage that I’ve embraced in my own life. Both Irish and Mexican cultures are rich with traditions, and while I’m still gradually incorporating many of them, I look forward to passing these down to my future family.

One of my favorite Irish traditions, and one that’s been part of my life since childhood, is wearing the Claddagh ring. This iconic ring, featuring two hands holding a heart crowned with love, symbolizes love, loyalty, and friendship. It’s typically given to mark romantic or familial bonds. My first Claddagh ring holds special significance because it was a gift from my grandmother. The ring had originally been hers, but when it became too small for her to wear, she passed it down to me. I cherish this ring and wear it daily as a reminder of our connection. More recently, I added another Claddagh ring to my collection during my trip to Ireland this summer—a beautiful memento of my time there.                                               

Another Irish tradition I enjoy is the Irish toast, often shared during weddings and family celebrations. In my family, it’s customary to raise a glass of Guinness (although whiskey is also traditional) and say “Sláinte!” which means “to your health.” We use this toast for birthdays, anniversaries, and whenever we’re celebrating good news. It’s a simple but meaningful way to bring us together and honor our heritage. 

Moving on to my Mexican traditions, one that always fills me with joy is singing "Las Mañanitas" on birthdays. Instead of the usual "Happy Birthday" song, this special tune is sung early in the morning to wake up the birthday person. My family in Mexico always sings it to me, and it’s a beautiful reminder of the love and warmth that comes with celebrating birthdays in our culture.

Another tradition I treasure is Los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings' Day, celebrated on January 6th. This marks the end of the Christmas season and is a time for family gatherings. We share a special cake called Rosca de Reyes, and children leave out their shoes to receive gifts from the Three Wise Men, similar to how Santa Claus delivers presents. A fun (and sometimes nerve-wracking) part of the Rosca de Reyes tradition is finding the hidden plastic baby inside the cake. Whoever gets the slice with the baby is responsible for hosting a family party. As a child, I always hoped to find the baby, thinking it was a prize, but now I try to avoid it—it comes with a lot of responsibility!

                                          

Traditions are what keep our cultures alive, and while I’m excited to create new ones in the future, I feel equally honored to carry on the ones that have been passed down to me.

Two Nations, One Screen

Hey there!

    This week, I'm diving into movies. My family are big movie watchers—it’s something we’ve always done together, with a bowl of popcorn. My dad and brother are especially huge movie buffs, while my mom and I love our shows more, but we’re always up for a good drama or romance. We've also watched a fair share of Mexican and Irish movies over the years.

    For the Spanish-language films, we usually watch them in Spanish with English subtitles. These are often movies my dad grew up with, or famous ones adapted from great books. Mexican cinema is vibrant and full of colorful storytelling, often weaving in indigenous cultural heritage. The tone of the movies is typically emotionally intense and dramatic. A few of my favorites are Under the Same Moon, Instructions Not Included, Nacho Libre, and Miss Bala. These films pull you in completely—sometimes I walk away crying, laughing, or just reflecting on the deep messages they leave behind.                               

    Irish films, in some ways, are similar to Spanish ones, but with some key differences. For one, Irish movies are typically in English, since it’s the primary language in Ireland. Irish cinema tends to be more understated and naturalistic, with a slower pace. Many films focus on mythology and Irish folklore, which is central to the culture, and are often set in small rural communities or the countryside. The tones are usually a mix of humor and tragedy, with a balance of wit and dark comedy—light and dark together. A few of my favorite Irish films are The Secret of Roan Inish, Waking Ned Devine, Intermission, and Dancing at Lughnasa. I love folklore and mythology, so Irish films really resonate with me. Plus, they make me feel closer to that side of my family.