The persona is the part of ourselves that we actively present to others, a mask we wear in public places. It is the switch you flip when you go to work, meet your partner's parents for the first time, or start a new friendship. It is not fake or acting, but rather a controlled presentation of who you are. But with time, we become more comfortable and the true self begins to shine through, unable to be concealed. It is the light in your eyes when you talk about something you’re passionate about, the pride you feel in your work and accomplishments, an activity or action where you radiate confidence.

Our passions, goals, accomplishments and joys, as well as our sorrows, struggles, frustrations and failures are the parts of ourselves that we do not immediately share with others, but are important to our identities. When we share these parts of ourselves, our true self, we can build connections, inspire others, and find like-minded communities. Challenging ourselves and others to look past the surface level of the Latinx community, I proudly present ENYE’s Spring issue: True Persona.