Hispanic Heritage, My Journey From New Mexico to the Mountains of Central America - Paperback

by Ronny Jose Diaz (Author)

As a child and young adult, Ronny Jos Diaz often felt caught between two worlds. On one side, he had his Hispanic heritage. On the other side, Diaz had Anglo-American culture and his parents' insistence that he assimilate. Diaz understood that his parents were trying to protect him from prejudice and discrimination, but he realized that both he and his sister were missing an important piece of the puzzle. In order to discover who he truly was as a person, Diaz knew he had to embrace his cultural heritage.

The journey took him to the wilds of Central America. As a member of the Peace Corps, Diaz hoped to make a difference with the inhabitants of the Mayan communities he visited in Guatemala. Many versions of history state that the Mayan Empire died out hundreds of years ago, but Diaz saw firsthand how its legacy was passed down through each generation.

As Diaz grew closer to his Hispanic heritage, he also met someone he wanted to share the journey with. This unique travelogue and memoir chronicles his travels through Central America and his unforgettable first meeting with the woman who would become the love of his life.

Author Biography

During his childhood in southern New Mexico, author Ronny José Diaz felt disconnected from his Hispanic heritage. Physically, he took after his white mother instead of his Latino father. He was also discouraged from learning Spanish. His parents thought it better if he immersed himself in Anglo-American culture.

In college, Diaz finally connected with Hispanic culture. After graduating from New Mexico State University, Diaz joined the Peace Corps. His position took him to the mountains of Costa Rica and Guatemala. While working with the native Maya in Central America, he became closer to his heritage and even found true love.