When we think of “homecoming” we often associate feelings of nostalgia, joy, and triumph. These are all true, however for immigrants it also can bring up feelings of guilt, identity crises, and confusion. As was the case for Arianna Williams, who visited Puerto Rico for the first time when she was 18. Arianna shared with TN that she grew up in Phoenix, knowing she was Dominican and Puerto Rican. Growing up, she also felt a strong sense of self tied to her ethnicity. It has always been an identity she held close to her, despite never having been on either of the islands. Especially, having family in New York City, where there are both strong Puerto Rican and Dominican communities, she always dreamed of one day being able to visit the islands. Finally at 18 years old, Arianna was able to visit Puerto Rico for the first time and spend time with her extended. Although a beautiful trip, Arianna share feelings out of place. “It was unsettling to not feel a part of a community that I identify with so heavily.”

Jesus Nalgas, a Mexican- American comedian on Tik Tok, also spoke to this sentiment. “I grew up going back to Mexico and love it. It’s very different there though. Things back home feel more routine – people wake up early, go to work, come home and that’s about it. It’s a very content lifestyle without much. However, here in LA I’m used to all the options we have of things to do. Home is also much more traditional and I find myself more accepted in LA. Regardless, I love Mexico!”

Then there are the stories that separate the Latinx immigrant community. There are those of us who grow up traveling back to their mother land every year, since their parents migrated. While there are others, who because of financial limitations, are not able to go back home as often as others in their family. This year, Alexia Del Valle, a Puerto Rican content creator from South Jersey, recently spent two weeks in Puerto Rico with her family. “I love Puerto Rico! There is no place like it. The food, the people, the music, it just hits different in PR” she shared. “I didn’t grow up going back to the island as often as my family would have liked. Flights for a family of four were very expensive but my family always made sure that in New Jersey the culture was very much alive. I have strong ties to PR, but I don’t have the same childhood memories as some of my cousins who grew up going every summer. So now when I go to PR it does take me a bit to find myself.”

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