"First Gen": Why This Label Needs a Redo Reclaiming Our Story Beyond Labels

It seems we’re always trying to find the “right” label to capture who we are. From “first gen” to “Latino” to “Latinx,” we’re constantly redefining what it means to belong. But sometimes, these labels are weird to some. Take “Latinx,” for instance—it sounds like a Hispanic tissue brand: “Got feelings? Reach for Latinx.” And then there’s “Latine,” which seems like we’re just one step away from nailing it in Spanish: “Latine! Lo hicimos.”

But in reality, our identities go far beyond any label. Each one feels like it’s chasing us, trying to pin down a community that’s vibrant, layered, and full of rich history that can’t fit into a single word. Instead of boxing ourselves in, maybe it’s time to focus less on the label and more on celebrating our stories, our heritage, and the impact we’re making. Because at the end of the day, we’re more than a name—we’re a community, a culture, and a movement.

Today, let's talk about a label that’s been hanging around like that one tamal in the freezer from last Christmas—the one your cousin’s nueva novia made, and everyone has avoided because we're like, "de que es?" “First gen.” It’s supposed to celebrate our resilience, right? But honestly, sometimes it just feels like an invitation to imposter syndrome. Like saying, “Congrats, you’re the first one trying to figure this out… ¡ándale! Good luck!” But let’s be real, mi gente: imposter syndrome? Not here. We’re not stepping into an empty arena. We’re stepping onto a foundation built by generations before us—packed with resilience, ganas, and more sabor than abuela’s secret sofrito (definitely not just salt and pepper!).

The Real Trailblazers (Hint: It Wasn’t Us)

If anyone deserves the title “first gen,” it’s our padres y abuelos—the ones who packed up their whole lives into a single maleta, crossed borders, and built something from nada. They didn’t have LinkedIn tips, Networking Lotería, or apps to learn to say “Cheeseburger, please” in English. What did they have? Heart, hustle, and a whole lot of ganas! They were the true trailblazers, and we’re here to honor their legacy (and of course, their arroz con pollo and quesabirria recipes).

“Legacy Bearers,” Not “First Gens”

We’re Legacy Bearers, not “first gens”—we’re inheritors of dreams, grit, and pure ganas. Our job? To honor those who came before while adding our own new 200% cultura to today’s challenges. We’re here to carry forward the dreams of our abuelos, the grit of our tíos, las chanclas de nuestras madres, and the never-ending supply of Tupperware from every family gathering that we will never return. We were raised knowing that no matter what, familia es todo! ¡Pa’lante!

When I moved to Dallas, I once told a Latino friend, “I feel like we left everyone behind in L.A. we have no family here” He looked at me like I had two heads and said, “Bro, we are one. We are family!” And he was right. Distance means nothing in a culture where we’re all connected, even if we’re 1,500 miles apart. Whether we’re in Dallas, LA, or the middle of nowhere, there’s no such thing as being alone. If there’s one thing Latinos know, it’s that we’re always in familia. So, if you ever feel solo, just remember somewhere out there, an entire community has your back—even if you’re in a city where the burritos are the size of taquitos (everything’s big in Texas except the burritos, go figure).

Today’s Path Is Clearer—Thanks to Them

Today, we have a clearer path to success thanks to the groundwork laid by previous generations. Mentors, scholarships, and career paths that didn’t exist before? Those are gifts from the sacrifices they made. It’d be unforgivable not to use these gifts—like skipping abuela’s house on Sunday or forgetting to pick her up for la misa. Our families set up the first mile markers, and now it’s our turn to carry las velitas santas and keep them burning bright.

A better term for us? Heritage Builders. We’re not on a solo journey; we’re connected to the strength of those who came before. Every success we achieve is a new chapter in a story that started long ago, full of grit, laughter, and a little bit of chisme. Instead of being “first gens” struggling alone, we’re part of a collective journey, celebrating where we’ve come from while keeping an eye on where we’re headed. We didn’t come this far just to come this far; we’re here to create a brighter path for those to come! And to advocate for ourselves, do not let anyone underestimate us!

But Let’s Be Real—There Are Still Plenty of “Firsts” to Reach

That said, there are still “firsts” out there waiting for us. First Latino president of the United States? Bring it on. First all-Latina Female Flag Football Olympic Gold Medal? It’s coming, just wait. First Latino astronaut to salsa on Mars? Why not? First Latino to invent a tamal that reheats perfectly in the microwave? We need this (Well, maybe not! On the comal with coffee in the morning, mmmmm!).

But who says we can’t own “First Gen,” but with a twist that honors our roots and celebrates the journey we’re on? We can be the first generation to have opportunities that our parents dreamed of, the first to bridge our cultures with confidence, and the first to show that success doesn’t mean leaving our heritage behind. We’re the “First Gen” to redefine what it means to belong in every space we enter—whether that’s the boardroom, the classroom, or even outer space. Being “First Gen” isn’t about starting from zero; it’s about being the first to blend our past and future in ways that are unapologetically Latino!

Let's chat soon and connect, let's make it one of our firsts!!