My mother's side is from Peru and dad's side from Panama. I was born in Danbury, CT and was raised by my abuelos (Peruvian side) and Spanish was my first language at home. When I started school, I spoke very little English which led me to ESL from kindergarten through 6th grade. I struggled through elementary school because I dressed differently and didn't speak English well so it was hard for me to make and keep friends. We weren't poor nor rich but very grateful as a middle