My Identity

       It is astonishing the number of adjectives that come to the mind of the average Chilean when they over hear or mention the term HUASO. This word that is so intimately tied to this nation’s history has been losing it’s proper meaning and been deposed to an adjective that’s down right demeaning, or commonly used to make fun of someone, given his social status, the clothes he wear, or by his apparent simple mind. To me, this people, that are commonly known as huasos in a demeaning way, are the ones that took me in and helped me build my life back from scratch.

                

        Build Up a pyre with my old bed, my old memories, a few tears to build up the fire (they were pouring alcohol) and went on my way, to a small but humble and warm home, that opened up for me, as if a would have been broad up right there since I was a boy. Was given responsibilities, and went on my way to become (finally) one of them. Same risks, same hard working hands, same values, and after a few years of earning my day to day life, by the sweat of my brows, and the strength of my back, I finally understood that life is more bout being big through the small things than to try and by humble while being your material assets, your social position, or even what you do for a living. Is about being you no matter what or where, by being free even under oppression, cause you are always able to look into anyone’s eyes, and be an equal. That’s what this huasos taught me, this is how I live, and how I’ll always go by. Thanks to them.