Malissa Barrera
Just because I am Hispanic

Just because I’m Hispanic
Doesn’t mean I speak Spanish
Doesn’t mean I’m from Mexico
Doesn’t mean I’m an illegal

Just because I’m Hispanic
Doesn’t mean I should wash people’s clothes
Or work as housekeeper
Or work at McDonalds

Just because I’m Hispanic
Doesn’t mean I like shopping
Doesn’t mean I am not educated
Doesn’t mean I love to start drama

Just because I’m Hispanic
Doesn’t mean I’m loud
Doesn’t mean I can’t spell
Doesn’t mean I can’t read

So don’t judge me
Don’t tell me that I’m not smart
Don’t tell me that I’m worthless
Don’t tell me that I should stay in the kitchen and cook

Don’t judge me because I am smart
I am proud
I am a woman
I don’t start drama

But most of all I am Hispanic
~Malissa Barrera, 17