Empower Women

My name is Amsi Montenegro, and I am a senior at Jordan High School in Watts. I come from Nicaragua, a country where “machismo,” which can be translated to sexism, is a big thing. Girls grow up thinking they can’t do much for their future and that the best they can do is get married, have kids, and make sure they are a good wife and mom. On the other hand, I grew up with a single mother who brought me to this country four years ago because she wanted me to build a better future for myself without having to depend on anyone else. 

I came to this country being aware that as an immigrant, I would have to work harder than others for what I wanted. I couldn’t understand English, hated the weather, didn’t know anybody, and had many other obstacles. Today, I can speak, write, and read English fluently, which was one of my main goals when I first got here. Achieving each of my goals has been a whole battle in its own way, from having to take extra English classes to meet graduation requirements to being scared of men saying things to me while walking on the streets on my way to school. These are struggles that young girls should be taught how to get through at their households or be given opportunities to hear from others who might help them deal with these different types of struggles. 

I had the chance to be part of OLASTEO’s Summer Virtual Experience, where I got to hear from State Senator Lena Gonzalez, a Latina, who was a mom at 19 and worked her way through community college. Being able to hear from someone who had it so hard and still made it, and who went through situations similar to what my mother had to go through, inspired me to keep going and aim further. All around the world, women are scared to speak up when being criticized for what they wear, how they look, and even how they walk. Many girls come to this country with that less-than mentality, and I think it’s important to educate and encourage younger girls to learn how to be independent and look out for themselves. 

Seeing how other women have achieved so much encourages me to look out and speak up for myself more. I want my opinion to count, I want my voice to be heard, and I want to be able to stand up against things I don’t agree with without being scared.