With both of his parents born in Mexico, senior Juan Pablo Trujillo is influenced by his Hispanic heritage. “Hispanic culture has shaped me primarily through the interactions with my family, who mostly live in Mexico,” he said. “I like that I get to see different perspectives, habits, and environments whenever I visit them, and I think that is really what makes me who I am today.”

Normality in two cultures: Juan Pablo Trujillo

Caroline Caruso and Ana Cuen

October 14, 2020

Growing up in a Mexican household in the United States, senior Juan Pablo Trujillo gets to experience a blend of Mexican and American culture. Through his family, Trujillo has learned about his Mexican roots and heritage no matter the distance from Mexico.

“My mom comes from Mexico City and my dad comes from Zacatecas, Mexico,” Trujillo said. “Our culture is very familial- there’s a focus on family, celebration, and joy. Also there’s good food, my personal favorite meal is tacos al pastor.”

Trujillo’s normality includes two languages spoken at home and two countries to discuss and learn about.

“I have always experienced a mixture of American and Mexican life, though it mostly leaned towards the former,” Trujillo said. “I speak both Spanish and English at home, Spanish to my parents and English to my siblings, and we talk about topics and issues that concern both Mexico and the United States. And I enjoy having both these influences in my life.”

While he gets to experience some aspects of his culture from his home in Frisco, Trujillo enjoys going back to Mexico and living out his culture.

“Hispanic culture has shaped me primarily through the interactions with my family, who mostly live in Mexico,” Trujillo said. “I like that I get to see different perspectives, habits, and environments whenever I visit them, and I think that is really what makes me who I am today.”