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         In the cabinet that stands tall in my grandmother dining room there sits a cake topper. It has been there since before I was a thought. A young woman in a white gown with lace around her shoulders, in-front of an alter deigned in a hear shape with white and lilac flowers surrounding her feet with just a tad too much lace for my personal taste. This cake topper came from my aunts Quinceanera, or her fifteenth birthday party, a party that represents a promise to her family and faith. For me, this cake topper represents an event I wanted, resented, and never had. To understand my story, and stories similar, I need to explain a Quinceanera. The word Quinceanera incorporates the word Quince, which is fifteen in Spanish. In many Latin countries it is custom for a girl to celebrate her fifteenth birthday as passage of becoming a young woman and signifying her faith will remain strong her entire life. The faith, usually being Christianity or Catholic, incorpora...

  By Leah  A Family’s History in One Photo   My Grandmother and Grandfather look so in love, gazing at their wedding bouquet, likely imagining the life they were to create together, the memories they would form. This photo represents my place in society because the two people in this photo have greatly contributed to making me the person I am today. Although I never met my grandfather, I am inspired to be happier because of the way in which my mother describes him. Living with my grandmother for nearly ten years, learning from her, watching how she treats others, I am inspired. I desire to face the obstacles set in my path just as strongly and fiercely as my grandmother. Pushing through obstacles with not only determination, but with a smile on my face is the goal I would like to look back on in the future. My Grandparents (1959) My Bolita (2020)