In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Round Rock ISD proudly features Success High School Principal Blanca Valencia in our inaugural Your Voice, Your Story, a new series dedicated to highlighting the unique voices and experiences of our diverse community.
Valencia is originally from Brownsville, TX.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by people who looked like me, talked like me, and shared my cultural heritage. I danced at Quinceañeras and weddings and enjoyed the best street tacos in the entire world,” she said.
Valencia describes herself as a “crib bilingual,” someone who simultaneously learned how to read, write, and speak in English and Spanish. She said her experience is best exemplified by writer Gloria Anzaldúa, who also grew up near the border.
When Valencia moved to Austin for college, she said she experienced “quite a bit of culture shock.”
“Attending the University of Texas, one of the most diverse universities in the country, was a major adjustment after growing up surrounded by people like me. It was there that my identity as a Mexican American Latina was truly shaped,” she said.
Today, Valencia emphasizes the importance of investing in the next generation.
“My family reminds me that as I forge my own path, I must honor those who paved the way for me and, in turn, pave the way for others,” she said. “If my pride in showcasing who I am allows others to feel seen and proud of their heritage, then I’ve done a good day’s work. Authenticity is crucial for educators to connect with students.”
Valencia said she proudly wears her big hoops and speaks Spanish in the hallways, engaging with students and staff during casual conversations and in meetings with parents.
“I carry the border with me wherever I go,” she said. “Being of both proud Mexican descent and American birth has shown me that my identity exists in a beautiful, unique, and ambiguous space.”
Valencia encourages everyone to learn more about the Hispanic/Latinx experience.
“You’d be surprised how much we can expand our worldviews, one story at a time,” she said.
