Usually people think about becoming an adult at the age of 18 but my coming of age story all started when I hit the age of 15: . Maturing always seemed to scare me, but I knew it was time.  In light of this moment of growth, my family became the biggest supporters of helping me and shaping me into the person I would always want to be.

     I remember this moment vividly: Waking up at 5am, half awake, rushing to my grandparents house to begin to get ready.It felt like the day withering away as my family members were getting their hair and makeup done. Sitting in a chair patiently for almost 2 hours hoping and praying that nothing would go  wrong.. My hair and makeup were finally finished and that's when it hit me while I was putting on my dress and seeing my mom cry:I am no longer that little girl who had no responsibilities as a small child. I am finally a young lady, not  fully an adult, but half way there.

    Later, while sitting and looking at the priest giving me my blessing and praying for me, all I could do was think. I had thought of everything I had done in the past 15 years of my life. I was finally not a little girl anymore: I was a young woman surrounded with so many people who loved me and saw me grow up. My mom on one side and my grandpa and grandma on the other, I realized that these were the very people who shaped me into the person I am and who I am going to become. They are the ones I want to make proud with every decision that I make. The church service continued on and I stood up and read my beliefs, thanking others for what they have done for me and for being there for supporting my on my day as I entered into adulthood. Everyone clapped and hugged and soon sat down again as my family and I took flowers to our Virgin Mary, as I took those very rosas I thanked God for everything He has given me and making me realize that I need to take ownership for everything I do. I couldn't just make excuses for the way I acted I had to own up to it and take every consequence that came my way.

My day ended just as quickly as the realization of my maturity came to me. My body was so tired while I was shoving my full dress and myself inside the car at 2am in the morning. I finally got inside to take my dress off and  got ready for bed but once I got in bed, I couldn’t sleep. My big day had just happened and I could finally say I was a young women. Realizing that from this point on I had to think about always making the right decision and making those around me proud especially the ones who raised me . I would forever be so grateful for all the things my family has done for me and dedicating such a special day to not just me but to my culture and my whole family..It wasn't just a party as everyone outside my culture may think, but it was something so much more meaningful and big.This day still impacts me to this exact moment taking on full responsibility,and being more conscious of the choices I make.