Esmeralda Rivera
Esmeralda Rivera’s favorite memory of her childhood in Guatemala is participating in Semana Santa (Holy Week). The first-year Literature student talked about the traditions she grew to love during her 13 years living in Guatemala at a recent Story Space event.
It’s a way of not forgetting that part of who you are. I don’t want to forget my life in Guatemala or the fresh memories of my experiences. It’s all made me who I am.
I also want to embrace my American half after being away from the United States for so long... I’ve always felt truly at home here, surrounded by my huge family, and I’m glad I can experience the American culture, as well.
My favorite part of Story Space was just telling the story in general. It took me back 13 years, to when I’d first moved to Guatemala. And when someone suggested we recreate the tradition here at Stockton, my heart soared. It was such an incredible idea, and I’m so glad the idea is in the air.
I was so happy that I could share more about my life in Guatemala since it is a small, almost undiscovered country. At least, I feel it is since there aren’t as many Guatemalans that come to the U.S. as in some other Latin American countries.
Rivera also wants to explore more of her Puerto Rican culture.
There isn’t much I know about it, although the food is amazing. Nothing beats my grandma’s food: her arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) is literally the best!
As for my Guatemalan culture, I am eternally grateful. In the first years of living in Guatemala, I didn’t appreciate the Guatemalan culture as much since I had a bad first impression. But as I grew older, I realized what a privilege it is to have firsthand experience of Guatemalan traditions and holidays. I’ve learned to appreciate this side of me, and I’m glad I got to experience enough of it in my years there.
I also want to embrace my American half after being away from the United States for so long. I love Guatemala, and always will, but I felt that it was time to come back. I’ve always felt truly at home here, surrounded by my huge family, and I’m glad I can experience the American culture, as well.
This Voice was originally published in 2022. At the time of publication, and currently, Rivera was a student in the Literature program. She is also part of the Literature Club, Stockpot student magazine, the Argo student newspaper and the Stockton Theatre Club.
