Day 10: Torch

I live as part of the generation that carries my ancestors' unfinished dreams. 

I live as part of the generation that carries my ancestors' unfinished dreams. 

I use them as stepping stones to my own dreams.

Their smarts, their wits, their courage, all passed unto me.

My family is full of fighters, my ancestors were strong, and still are despite the hardships in this novela-like life.

Perseverance is the strongest tool one can ask for. I persevere every day in hopes of becoming as strong as those before me.

When I feel as though I’m losing myself or losing the light at the end of the endless tunnel that is life, I remember my family. 

When I feel as though I’m losing myself or losing the light at the end of the endless tunnel that is life, I remember my family. 

My family carries the torch, the torch of their legacy, my legacy. 

My family refuses to let societal and cultural pressure snuff out the light in their torch.

The torch that is passed onto their children, their children’s children. Their children’s grandchildren.

They are there so that you may never lose track of the light.

And if you do, they are still behind you and watching over you.

Straighten your beret, mijá. 

Continue walking up those stepping stones, carrying the torch of your family to the end of the tunnel, as your dreams are an extension of theirs.

About the Author

London Salinas, High school student & Somos Escritoras Alumni

She is both an author and artist and enjoys writing short stories and illustrating comics. She has been working with Somos Escritoras since the 6th grade, participating in the Somos Book Club and now the Latina Luminaries Writing Blog! She loves to read, write, and draw. Her favorite foods are anything her parents make. She is an Aries and hopes to attend the University of Texas at Austin one day!

About the Blog Series

The #LatinaLuminaries Blog Series by Somos Escritoras. The series was created to illuminate the wisdom, experiences, voices, and truths of Latina women and girls and the broader Latinx community. The blog series features writing from escritoras (participants) and writing mentors from Somos Escritoras Latinx Writing Workshop. Published Latina authors, writers, poets, and illustrators who presented at our workshop also contributed to the blog series.