I Am Not Against Me Anymore – Meet Cecia Cruz

What inspired you to join Remarkably us? 

As a mental health counselor, I have constantly tried to do my best in supporting individuals with their mental health struggles, however I have yet to find organizations like Remarkably Us that focus their support on Latinas who are currently or formerly foster youth. RemarkablyUs builds and offers a community of many individuals to have a common place to share their experiences, without having to over-explain, because we each understand what it is like being in the foster system as Latinas. Facing barriers such as coming from undocumented families, learning to navigate the American systems, or the expectations for being a woman. I am honored to partake in it, to offer support, to support individuals like myself, and most importantly learn from one another so we can lift one another up in this system that is not made for us. I want to share hope that life after being in the foster system is possible, it is not an easy path, but indeed within reach. 

Last family picture before being placed in the system. 

After the system I had taken space from my family to heal from the traumas I had experienced as a child. I didn’t think I would make amends, and improve my relationship with my family. I have now created a loving support system, something I thought I could never have. 

 

Where do you want to travel next? 

After becoming an American citizen and receiving my passport, I have traveled to Portugal and Spain, and my dream is to visit the 7 wonders of the world. I have seen Chichen Itza in Yucatan, and my next adventure is to visit the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru. 

What inspired you to become a pet mom? 

My fur babies have shown me what unconditional love is. Their purity and innocence remind me of the beauty the world has to offer.

What is some mental health advice you can offer to former and current Latina foster youth? 

A mental health advice I would offer is that you do not have to carry everything on your own. As women, growing up in traditional cultures, we often face the expectation of having to be better because we are brought up in the U.S., a country that offers opportunities that our parents didn’t have in their native lands. The underlying message is to be great chefs, nurses, housecleaners, babysitters, while trying to fit the societal expectation of being fit and glamorous and simultaneously holding a 40 hour work week. As latinas, we feel the pressure to meet these unrealistic expectations, and as former foster youths we often lack the guidance and nurture to succeed. Often, many foster youths are raised in environments that did more harm during our formative years leading to long term challenges such as physical/mental health issues, interpersonal relationships, or socioeconomic struggles. I encourage individuals to ask questions, use the resources available, be vulnerable, and learn to trust people that do care for your wellbeing. You do not have to do this alone. 

Tell us a bit more about your experience on Jimmy Kimmel Live! 

Before the pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) hosted a large naturalization ceremony in which family and friends were welcome to witness. During the pandemic, the USCIS paused the ceremonial events leading to many individuals, like myself, unable to celebrate this momentous moment. So a producer from Jimmy Kimmel Live asked me to be a part of their show to offer a celebration on live television.  At first, I thought “this is a scam”. She encouraged me to fill out some forms asking for private information. I was like “for sure this is a scam” as they asked for my social security number. I took a risk and it turned out to be legitimate. I was gathered with ten other individuals who were also recent naturalized citizens to be celebrated on national t.v.. We were able to be a part of the audience for the remainder of the show. 

Tell me a fun fact about yourself  

A fun fact is that I am a part of an athletic team called WOLVE in which we do a variety of activities such as whaleboat rowing, running, pickleball, and painting.