CBC Hispanic Heritage Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Retrum

CBC is showcasing Hispanic Heritage with Stephanie Retrum's story.

"While I was born in Tucson, Arizona, I spent my formative years in Mexico City. My dad was from Mérida, Yucatan, and my mom from Nogales, Sonora. I am so deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to live in Mexico all those years. I experienced the connection and kindness from family and extended family as a kid. I was so moved by the generosity and kindness in that extended community, that I returned to Mérida, Yucatan, to do volunteer work for 2 years after I completed my Economics and French degrees at the UA. Those two years in Mérida changed my life path and further confirmed for me the Mexican cultural ideal that everyone is family. I plan to return to Mérida next summer, and I have full confidence that the sense of belonging will be strong, including everyone, visitors and residents alike. There is no stranger (estranjero) in our culture— I hope to continue living that ideal in daily life." ~ Stephanie