Sofia Castaneda Valdivia

10th Grade

Coming from a family with a wide variety of roots created in me a huge curiosity for the world.
From indigenous-Spanish and Belgium roots on my dad side and Syrian-Lebanese and Vasco-
Catalan roots in my mom side, to the huge African essence in Cuban culture and the Mayan heritage
of Guatemala.

I was born in Havana, Cuba. At three months old I moved to Guatemala City, where my dad is from,
and lived there for the next fourteen years. My parents met in Cuba during a Festival. .We are five,
Im the oldest one, then my sister Daniela and my little brother, Fernando, both born in Guatemala.
My dad is a textile engineer and now he works on deliveries at Star Furniture. My mom worked in
Humans Rights in the government of Guatemala for many years and now she works in a Bilingual
Education Institute located in Houston.

Living in Guatemala I never questioned my nationality, have double nationality was quite common,
but once I came here the simple question of where are you from? Became a challenge. I didnt
know how answer that without gave a long explanation. I know Im both, but people do not always
understand that. For Cubans, Im not enough Cuban, and for Guatemalans Im not enough
Guatemalan. But I know and more than just Cuban or Guatemala. Having this mixed roots made me
feel I couldnt fit anywhere. Im proud of my roots, proud of my culture. Thanks to my colorful
background, my parents teach me to be open-minded and be curious. To respect other cultures and
religions and to be always willing to learn something new.

My career goal is to become an anthropologist, someone who studies the human culture and
customs. Im sure it is the best career for me, it combines everything that I passionate about:
History, language, sociology, art, research, fieldwork and of course everything that make up culture.
I love travel and learning, observe take notes, analyze and learn more. My passion for traveling will
help me to be a great anthropologist. This love for discovering and learning help me in my academic
performance. I have learned not to take for granted what I learn in the school, and learn more by
yourself, traveling and discovering what is around you.

Now that U.S is my new home, Im interest in learn more about its culture and history. Participating
in Close Up is an opportunity to learn more about the history, politics and culture of U.S; an
opportunity to do what I love most: trying something different and learn something new.
Sofia Castaneda Valdivia
10th Grade