A 2010 American census poll found that multiracial youth are the fastest-growing youth population in the country. This group has doubled in size since the year 2000.

This means that in the future, the United States will look even more diverse than it does today. That is an absolutely beautiful thing.

From a very early age, I understood how others viewed my family history on my mother’s side. I saw how cartoons and movies showed her heritage: the outlaw with a mustache, the housemaid with a heavy Spanish accent, the poor farmer.

And as for the women from her culture? The television only showed them using their sexuality to tempt men. And, of course, they always kept their hair just right!

These were all the classic clichés. Over the years, I came to hate these negative images.

The news made things worse. On the television, there were always serious debates on immigration and deportation. I grew up watching these. And I heard talk of sending refugees and migrants back to “where they belong.”

Where I grew up, Latinas were only seen as house cleaners or grocery packers. I felt I had no chance of success if I embraced my culture.

That idea was tested when I was in eighth grade.

It was Christmas Eve. My school’s Helping Hands club took part in a “shopping” event for parents from local homeless shelters. These parents were able to choose their children's Christmas gifts from donated toys.

Many of my fellow students were put to work wrapping the gifts. I was given a different job: to translate for the Spanish-speaking parents.

I was embarrassed at first. But that feeling left as I watched the joyful faces of mothers and fathers who were being heard, seen, and understood.

It wasn't just that I could give every Spanish-speaking family a big basket of toys. I had made them feel welcomed. No one had to point, or smile and nod.

As the daughter of a Cuban immigrant, I know what it feels like not to be seen or heard. It's how my mother felt when she first came to this country.

People might classify me in different ways. They might use checkmarks in boxes or judge my appearance. However they do it, my goal is to bring cultures together and to promote understanding and tolerance.

When I serve Spanish-speaking customers at work, I try my hardest to make sure they are heard and understood. The smiles on their faces are the best reward.

People often question my heritage. They ask about my Irish side, or my Cuban side. But I have learned that being myself, and not a checkmark in a box, is what's most important.

Mixed, biracial, tres leches — however people classify me — I will work to bring peace through understanding and celebrating what makes us diverse.