Patricia Moncada

My name is Patricia Moncada and I am a second-generation Peruvian-American. My parents immigrated to the United States about 30 years ago and raised my twin brothers and myself in Belleville, NJ.

Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for my cultural background and consider it a defining characteristic for who I am. I value the way my Hispanic upbringing grants me a unique perception of the world around me compared to my friends and peers. This contributes to my open-mindedness and curiosity with regards to others' lifestyles and cultural habits. As a result, my passion for traveling and experiencing other cultures is also fueled . Each time I travel to Peru, I am fascinated by the cultural differences that still exist between members of my family and myself. Despite my background, their way of life that still differs so drastically from my own here in the US. Regardless of these differences, I am have a strong connection to my Peruvian roots which is something that I deeply value.

Despite what most people believe, my ability to speak Spanish isn’t the best thing that I gain from being Hispanic, rather it’s the experiences I’ve been able to have as a result of my Peruvian background.