Bridging Two Worlds by Balancing my Identity: Traveling as a First-Gen Latina

Every trip turns into a tightrope of balancing my identity. When I pack my bags for Mexico, I’m not just preparing for a trip — I’m preparing for an emotional journey too. Being a first-generation Latina means I carry two worlds with me: the life my family built in the U.S. and the deep roots they left behind in Mexico. I’m not fully a tourist, but I’m not fully a local either. Instead, I live in this space in between, and through that, I’ve discovered a special way to experience travel.

Growing Up Between Cultures

I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, but my home was always filled with the heart of Mexico. My parents, both from small towns — my mom from Ojo Seco, Guanajuato, and my dad from San Juan Tetipac, Oaxaca — made sure our family stayed connected to our roots. Spanish was our first language at home, family meals were full of traditional dishes, and we kept our culture alive through celebrations and traditions.

Even with all of that, I always felt the pull of living between two cultures. At school, I was the kid with the “different” lunches, or the one who celebrated holidays my friends had never heard of. At home, I was learning recipes passed down from generations, hearing family stories, and helping with cultural events at our church. These moments shaped me, but they also showed me early on what it meant to balance my identity every day.

Visiting Mexico: More Than a Vacation

When I visit Mexico, it’s not just another destination to check off my list. It feels like coming home, even though I didn’t grow up there. The streets, the colors, the sounds — they all feel familiar because they live in the stories my parents have told me and the traditions we’ve kept alive in our home.

But at the same time, I’m reminded that I’m not fully a local. There are little things — the slang words I don’t always understand, the customs that feel both natural and new. I watch my cousins move so easily through their daily routines, and I realize I’m observing and learning as much as I’m participating.

This is the heart of balancing my identity while I travel. I am connected deeply to the culture, but I also recognize that my experience is shaped by growing up in the U.S. It’s not about feeling like I don’t belong — it’s about embracing both sides of who I am.

A Unique Point of View

Being both insider and outsider gives me a unique perspective. I get to see Mexico through the eyes of someone who treasures every moment because I know how special it is to experience it firsthand. At the same time, I have a deep respect for the traditions, people, and places that have shaped my family’s history.

There’s one memory that stays with me. During a festival in my mom’s hometown, we joined the whole community for a lively celebration. The music, the food, and the dancing filled the air with excitement. My mom pointed out people she knew from her childhood, telling me stories as we walked through the crowded streets. I felt at home, surrounded by my culture. But I also felt like a student, eager to learn and soak in every detail.

In that moment, I realized something important: balancing my identity allows me to see both the beauty of belonging and the value of curiosity. I don’t have to choose between being part of the community or observing it — I can do both with respect and love.

Traveling With Purpose and Respect

Balancing my identity also means traveling with purpose. I don’t just want to see the sights or try the popular foods. I want to understand the deeper stories behind them. Who are the people keeping these traditions alive? What do these celebrations mean to the community?

For example, when I visit local markets, I’m not only looking for souvenirs. I’m thinking about the artisans who spend hours crafting their goods. I ask questions, I listen to their stories, and I support their work with genuine appreciation.

This approach to travel is important to me because it honors my family’s history and respects the communities I visit. It also helps me grow in my understanding of who I am. Balancing my identity means recognizing that my connection to Mexico comes with responsibility. I have the privilege of my heritage, but I also have the duty to be a respectful learner and supporter.

How My Travel Experiences Shape My Dreams

The lessons I’ve learned while balancing my identity through travel reach far beyond the borders of Mexico. They shape how I dream about my future and the impact I want to make.

With my food truck, Meredith’s MexiTreats, I hope to bring the flavors of Mexico to my community in Nashville. But more than that, I want to create a space where culture is celebrated, where stories are shared, and where everyone — whether they grew up in Mexico or are experiencing it for the first time — feels welcomed and valued.

I also dream of starting a nonprofit one day, focused on giving back to Hispanic communities like the ones my parents came from. I want to create opportunities for others to explore their own heritage, connect with their culture, and feel proud of their roots.

Balancing my identity has taught me that I can honor my past while building a future that brings people together. Whether it’s through food, storytelling, or community events, I want to be a bridge between cultures.

Embracing the Beauty of Both Worlds

At times, living between two worlds can feel challenging. There are moments when I wonder if I’m doing enough to stay connected to my roots, or if I truly belong in the spaces I move through. But what I’ve learned is that balancing my identity is not about perfecting it — it’s about embracing it.

I get to experience the beauty of both worlds. I bring my family’s traditions into new spaces, and I carry my experiences from the U.S. into my travels. This balance gives me strength, perspective, and a deep appreciation for the journey I’m on.

When I step off the plane in Mexico, I’m not just visiting — I’m reconnecting. And when I return home, I carry those lessons with me, sharing them in my community and weaving them into my everyday life.

Proudly Living In-Between

At times, living between two cultures can feel like walking a tightrope. There are moments when I wonder if I’m doing enough to stay connected to my roots, or if I’m “too American” to fully belong in Mexico. But over time, I’ve learned to see this balancing act as a gift, not a burden. It means I get to carry two perspectives with me wherever I go. I get to celebrate the beauty of my heritage while embracing the opportunities of my life in the U.S.

Traveling as a first-gen Latina has helped me see that my identity is not something that limits me — it’s something that expands my view of the world. I can appreciate my parents’ hometowns with the eyes of a visitor and the heart of family. I can ask questions, listen closely, and share stories that keep traditions alive. I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers about my culture, because every trip and every conversation brings me closer to understanding it more deeply.

Most importantly, I’ve come to realize that balancing my identity is an ongoing journey. It doesn’t end when the trip is over or when I return home. It continues in how I live my daily life, how I share my culture with others, and how I pass it on to future generations. I no longer see myself as split between two worlds — instead, I see myself as the bridge that connects them. And in that space, there is so much beauty, purpose, and pride.