Celebrating Life “Dreams at 13”

Picture this: I was just a 10-year-old, and the idea of having a Quinceañera was like a glittering star on the horizon of my dreams. As the years rolled by, my contemplations grew stronger, I was 13 until I was certain that I wanted this magical Quinceañera celebration.

But the decision was no walk in the park. I was presented with three fantastic options - a car, a vacation to any spot I desired, or “La Quinceañera de mis sueños” (The fifteen of my dreams). Each choice held its unique significance because they were gifted to me by people who played crucial roles in my life - my godparents, my two incredible older siblings, and some cherished family friends.

Now, let me share with you the incredible life lessons I gleaned from this unforgettable journey. First and foremost, it’s crucial never to take for granted anything your parents do or sacrifice. Being the daughter of a single mother, my mom has always been my ultimate role model. She relentlessly toiled to provide me with the best, even the things she never had herself. My mom orchestrated this entire Quinceañera extravaganza single-handedly, all for the sake of keeping a radiant smile on my face. I also learned the value of savoring every moment and ensuring that my smile never faded, because trust me, everyone notices, and the party flies by in a heartbeat!

Now, let’s talk about memorable moments - my Quinceañera was packed with them, but two stand out as my absolute favorites. The first was the dances with my brothers. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine sharing such a special moment with them, and every day, I thank the stars above for making it possible. Then there was the dance with my mom - an intimate moment where it felt like we were the only two people in the room. I reminisced about every beautiful moment from my childhood right up to that very moment. If I had the chance to relive it, I wouldn’t because that moment was a true once-in-a-lifetime feeling.

As we embarked on the journey to the party, my friends and I were a whirlwind of emotions - nervousness and excitement all rolled into one. When we finally arrived, I rushed to my room to change into my dazzling dress. Looking at myself in the mirror, I took a deep breath and whispered, “This is it!” The waltz was one of the funniest moments; we were all super nervous and messed up, but we laughed it off and regained our composure during the surprise dance. One thing I can tell you for sure is that nothing ever turns out perfect, no matter how hard you try, so just go out there and have a blast!

I believe that my mom has always been preparing me for this grand adventure, even though there were moments when I hesitated to accept it. I do believe I’m ready now, but I also know that there are countless incredible experiences waiting for me down the road.

Now, let’s talk about my future plans, which are as exciting as they come. I dream of graduating high school and heading off to college to study criminology. And the best part? I want to take my mom with me every step of the way, as long as fate allows it. Without her, none of my dreams would be possible.

In conclusion, my fellow adventurers, always remember that dreams do come true, and sometimes they arrive a little earlier than expected. Cherish every moment, dance like nobody’s watching, and most importantly, keep that radiant smile shining bright!

- Amy Renteria