Growing up Latino in some parts of the United States can be, well, challenging. I was born and raised in Nebraska — smack dab in the middle of the country — and definitely have a few interesting anecdotes to share. While my hometown had pockets of diversity, it was a far cry from the cultural melting pots found on the coasts. Although this lack of community was often frustrating and isolating, it informed my sense of identity and, ultimately, gave me a deeper appreciation for my cultural heritage. And while I don’t claim to speak for all Latinos who were raised in the Midwest, you might be able to relate to some of the experiences I recount below.