Stranger

As a young girl about the age of 13, I would travel to the Dominican
Republic for the entire summer to visit my grandparents. From the moment I would get off the plane I would admire its sight, its signature scent and absorb it’s rising heat off the ground. Being able to travel at such a young age and explore different towns and cities was so admiring. Though it was a beautiful place and I always had a great time I would often be afraid to walk or be left alone.

There were times I would walk to a near by store from my grandparents house. As I would walk people would stare (especially men) at me with a certain look. Everywhere I went to the food market, a restaurant, the park, and even church. Took me awhile to understand why I would be looked at in such a way, it was because I am an American and from New York, & as if I had it written on my forehead. I was so confused and wondered why would it matter. The way I dressed, talked, and walked said it all. The women disliked me measuring me out with their eyes and the men would be animals disgustingly hungry. The men would whistle and holler like if I was a bird or dog. Being so upset an angry because I felt like an outsider or a stranger that didn’t belong in the environment.

I felt as if I could never go out to play and make friends without the fear and believing the rumors. People would tell me I could get rapped and robbed if I wasn’t careful. What made me stand out most on this island was that I’m also am other nationalities. I looked more than one race. Plus I always had nice clothes and shoes etc. Most people in foreign countries don’t have the money to be able to afford what I had. Which wasn’t a lot to people in the states. Being such an outsider or like a daisy among a field of weeds.

Dominican Republic is a sight to see that you would never forget. To the beautiful beaches to the poor parts that didn’t look as pleasing, just so different to see. In those poor parts it was known for stealing and raping, therefore I was always afraid to hang out with kids my age if my family wasn’t around or someone that I knew. Every summer that I went I left like I didn’t fit in with the culture. It was until I learn to spoke Spanish and spoke for myself. I am no different than any other human being to be looked at any type of way.  As Michael Owen would quote “ You are affected by the surroundings, the mood of people, by confidence. I am no different”.

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