# @rutgersu on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjq5G-mrvPG
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/841218-rutgersu-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/7df5470047.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-10-13T22:11:24.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Rutgers University (@RutgersU) — https://gondola.cc/RutgersU

## Caption

For #HispanicHeritageMonth, we’ve asked students to write an open letter detailing their heritage, the loved ones they share it with, and the lands they come from ❤️

Meet Mia Hernandez, a @rutgersartsandsciences student majoring in Women & Gender Studies.

"Dear Ancestors,

When I was given the opportunity to write an open letter to someone in my family, I realized that there is no singular person that I can thank. Every single choice my family has made, no matter how far back in time, brought me to where I am today.

While I was born and raised in New Jersey, my family is from the Dominican Republic. Both of my parents and their siblings grew up in the impoverished country sides of the island. They grew up without running water or electricity. When I listen to their stories, I can’t help but be in awe of how far they have come.

I am incredibly thankful for the sacrifices they have made throughout their lives in order to get me to where I am today.

However, I also recognize that I am not the daughter they envisioned. While my family is incredibly loving, they are also incredibly conservative. I know they didn’t think I’d grow into a queer activist, but here I am, standing proudly on their shoulders.

It took me years to learn how to live in my own truth. I’d like to think that my ancestors (especially those prior to colonization) see me decolonizing my beliefs and feel proud. I’m breaking free of the pain they had to endure and ending the generational trauma that surges through my blood and is embedded in my DNA.

I’m proud of who I am and I’m proud of everyone who came before me. I’m proud of the language I speak, the food I eat and the culture I grew up in. I am and always will be Dominican. Thank you, ancestors.

Warmly,
Mia Hernandez"

#RutgersPride | #RutgersExcellence 🌟🇩🇴

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 570
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 9

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rutgers University | @RutgersU | https://gondola.cc/RutgersU | University |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Photographer |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Social Media Manager |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Copywriter |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Photo Editor |

## Tags

rutgerspride, hispanicheritagemonth, rutgersexcellence

## Events

hispanic heritage month | rutgers u 2022

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