The Aguilar family is just like any other family. And yet, in so many ways, they’re not, because they’ve shared so much of their life with the entirety of the internet under Natalie & the Aguilars. Natalie, Angie, and their parents Ruben and Suleika sat down with Remezcla to discuss Angie’s new college journey, what it means to own your heritage, and how to make your best back-to-school plans.
Angie Aguilar, who is heading to college for the first time this fall, spoke about owning her heritage as she embarks on this new journey and shared that “it is a part of my identity. And I do celebrate that part of myself. But I also want to use it to advance my education and take it as a chance to show what I as a Latina can do and be an example for everyone.”
Not just that, she wants to be “an example of what we can be,” and hopefully, “make everyone proud.”
For Natalie Aguilar, identity is something you have to define yourself first. “We grew up in a Latino household, Latino grandparents, everyone around us speaking Spanish and English because we are Mexican-American. And that’s when I think it’s important to just know who you are and know where you come from.”
Suleika Aguilar added that, as parents, they can also help their kids understand that college, and whatever comes next is just “a normal next step. You are here to succeed and do more than we did.”
Ruben Aguilar, meanwhile, shared that “As first generation myself, my parents are from Mexico. We took on bringing some of those values that we grew up with and being able to develop them into our kids and understanding what hard work is and paying off for the future, trying to lead by example. Obviously, yeah, I’m a crazy, crazy dad sometimes and I have fun with my kids and whatnot. But the understanding of fundamentals of value work and work hard is important.”
This is why there’s pride that Angie is going to college, just as there was pride when Natalie did it. The pride of seeing their kids do something Ruben and Suleika Aguilar didn’t get to experience, the pride of generations of Latine families seeing their kids get to achieve things they never really thought could be achieved.
Perhaps that pride is why Angie and Natalie have been on Amazon non-stop, trying to make sure Angie is 100% prepared for any eventuality. “We’re just shopping like all the time. She probably has way more school supplies than she needs, but she’s prepared,” Natalie laughed. “I’m ready,” Angie agreed. “That was the most exciting part for me,” she shared. Shopping with your sister will always be a highlight, no matter how you do it.
And as for Ruben and Suleika, well, “The only advice I can give is as a parent…” Ruben told Remezcla, “It’s hard to let go, but you are very proud. And know that you’re living your dream through your kids at times. Even though I didn’t get to go to college, I always worked my whole life.”
“You know, both ways, it went okay for me. It went great, really. And know that as kids, know that we as parents are very proud of you for going to school and that you have all our love and support. Don’t ever feel like you can’t call us at any time. We are here. Always.”
We’re not crying, there’s just a little something in our eye.
