querida guatemala...

Abstract

A woman's role in society is often established by economic stability, religious and
cultural beliefs, and gender roles. This article focuses specifically on indigenous girls in
Guatemala and how different barriers make obtaining an education much more difficult for them.
Cultural and religious beliefs teach that women should be submissive and focus on the home.
Furthermore, gender roles put pressure on girls to fulfill their established roles in society. Poverty
is also a major factor that limits educational opportunities for girls from indigenous communities.
Indigenous families often have difficulty paying for their children's education, and if they have to
choose, they give priority to sons over daughters. All of these barriers combine and therefore
make it difficult for indigenous children to access an education. It is important to prioritize
access to education for indigenous girls, as it can empower and improve their lives.

Daniela Alarcón

Daniela Alarcón is a freshman majoring in Spanish Translation and Interpretation. Since moving from Guatemala, her home country, she became interested in big issues facing the Latino community, like women's rights and immigrant rights. She has participated in several programs to spread awareness about these kinds of issues. In her research paper, Alarcón looks at the challenges indigenous girls in Guatemala deal with when trying to access an education.

​It's been four years since I left you behind. Four years in which I've yearned to be with you again. Four years in which, every day, I remember something you gave me but I didn't appreciate it. Guatemala, I wish the feelings I felt when I lived with you would accompany me wherever I go. But the reality is that I can't do that because you are unique, you are irreplaceable.

Guatemala, you saw my grandparents, my parents and me grow up. You were the one who knew me the most. You saw me being born and growing up. You saw me making mistakes and learning from them. You are the one who gave me the happiest moments of my life, as well as the saddest ones. Even though there are many things about you I would like to change, I also somehow want them to remain intact. Because that's who you are. You are like the clouds in the sky that are not perfect, but they make the sky a beautiful place. That's how I remember you and how you're kept safe in my heart.

It’s thanks to you that I can call myself Latina and Guatemalan. Thanks to you it's that I had the best childhood in the world. But it was also because of you that we migrated. I know I can't take away the cruelty of this world, but if I could, I would take it away from you so I could come back to you.

Guatemala, even though I love you, I can't help but hate you too. Hate you because you made me separate from my family. Hate you because you were the one who created a perfect world for me and then took it away. But despite all… I forgive you because I love you. And because despite everything, thanks to you, I was able to have a better future.

It’s thanks to you that I was able to come to this country full of opportunities for someone like me. Thanks to you, I was able to experiment with my passions. Thanks to you, my family can have a better life. It was thanks to all the values you taught us so we could have a good life.

Sometimes I wonder if you miss me as much as I miss you. I wonder if you miss me playing in your fields and watching me grow up. I can't help but think of myself as your daughter and you as my mother, mi madre Tierra. You are the one who has given me the most gifts throughout my life and you are the one who has given me the most love.

Despite everything, I will continue to think of our separation as a temporary fight. And I know that time will help us heal. But when that time comes, I will always hope that we meet again someday. Until that time comes, I will miss you endlessly.