As a Latina, Enjoying the Great Outdoors Is a Part of My Culture

By Breanna González, Colorado Field Coordinator for HECHO.  

I have been living in Denver for three years, but I am originally from the Los Angeles area in California. All my family is still there, so I love going back home.   

My heritage is one of immigrant roots, and I hold that dear to my heart. Both sets of my grandparents came to the United States within the past few decades, seeking new opportunities and a better life. My grandfathers worked physically demanding jobs such as farming and construction, but they wanted more for their children and grandchildren.   

My parents were raised in the diverse and vibrant community of Los Angeles, California, where they were exposed to different cultures and languages. It's a reminder that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from.   

Growing up east of Los Angeles, specifically in La Puente and Hacienda Heights, was a truly remarkable experience. I always like to tell people who aren't from there that you can go to L.A. and go days without hearing English. Our vibrant culture was always present in these close-knit communities. It was a very interesting sort of culture where I couldn't tell you as a kid what it meant to be American and what it meant to be Mexican. It was a melting pot.   

Machu Pichu, Peru.

It wasn't until I started school that I realized there was a difference between being American and being Mexican. Despite the challenges, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a culturally rich upbringing that instilled in me a deep sense of connection to my heritage.  

I spent four years in Arizona, where I attended Arizona State University in Phoenix. I have a lot of love for the unique nature of the West. Each place I've lived has distinct natural areas, but my love for the outdoors truly blossomed in Arizona, where I fell in love with the desert and exploring it. During my time in Arizona, I had my first opportunities to go camping and hiking. I even bought a backpack for water, which is super necessary in Arizona.  

I then studied abroad in Costa Rica for six months, then served with the Peace Corps in Peru for almost three years after graduating from undergrad.

Living in different places in Latin America allowed me to experience the decolonized structure of the outdoors, which was a unique privilege residing in these spaces. Most people there don't have the opportunity to prepare for adventure with expensive gear. In Latin America, being outdoors is not a leisurely activity but a necessity for everyday life. Protecting and living with nature is essential for survival and deeply valued by the people, whether for sustenance or honoring their ancestors.   

I found it helpful to realize that, as a Latina, enjoying the outdoors is a part of my culture. In the past, I felt excluded from outdoor spaces in America because I didn't have the right equipment or enough knowledge. It was great to see the outdoorsy side of Latinos, but not necessarily from an American perspective.  They take it slow, move at their own pace, and truly appreciate nature's gifts while spending time with family in the fresh air.