Growing up I always thought my life was documented in a book. I believed every passing day represented another written page. Looking back now I have to say I had quite an imagination. It amazes me because I still think about those moment when I would find the book about my life, as I interpret this idea perhaps God was trying to tell me to bring meaning to every passing day because at some point it will be THE END, and the book (my life) will come to a close. Or perhaps God was trying to tell me that the book I referred to which documented my life was the book of Judgement that I would one day stand before. I am not too sure what the book I imagined years ago represents however, the thought never fails to creep into my life.

Let me open up some pages of that to highlight some facts about me. First I shall start with the basics:

My parents are both from Puerto Rico. Both met in Brooklyn, NY. It may have been love at first sight because it wasn't long before my mother helped raise my fathers 3 children from his first marriage + my mothers 2 children from her 2nd marriage (you know the saying Puerto Rican's have tons of kids, in my family I believe the saying applies). It wasn't long before my parents decided to share a child of their own, muah.

I came into this world 23 years ago, my parents named me Tania but originally it was supposed to be Taina to represent the Taino's from Puerto Rico. See my parents, my father especially was always very proud of his roots and where he came from. As a child I was spoke to in the mother tongue and when enrolled in public school I was stripped of my culture and converted Hispanic American.

As young as age 5 I remember having an interest in boys. Now my parents did their best to paint my world as innocent as possible for as long as possible. I can still remember my papi's finger on the remote in case he had to change because of a kissing or sexual scene whenever we watched tv/movies together.

However, as protective as they tried to be they only heightened my curiosity. At around age 6 or 7 I became interested and infatuated with girls. I remember the times I'd partake the role of daddy in the game house in which kissing and humping was involved.

I was never really interested in dresses or shoes. I used to wear caps, baggy jeans, I'd roll in my bicycle and I'd walk with a limp. I loved those years where I was free and happy to be a kid. My mother resented those years because everyday was a collection and representation that reflects who I am today.

I don't see what's wrong with who I am I think I'm perfectly fine, better than most might I add. I do exceptionally well in school, I've graduated from high school something only a few of my neighborhood friends strived to complete. I then furthered my education to broaden my horizons and knowledge, I enrolled in a 2 year institution and received an Associates Degree in the Early Childhood Education field. With my degree I was blessed with a teaching position which only motivated me to continue my schooling. I enrolled for 2 more years and in 2 short semesters I will receive a Bacherlors Degree in Early Childhood Education and Teacher Certification.

Today I am a proud lesbian, a hardworking dedicated teacher, and a continuing student on the Deans List. Not bad for a Puerto Rican huh?.... ;)