On January 31, 2002, I arrived in America, or as my parents enthusiastically liked to remind me, “La tierra de oportunidad” (The Land of Opportunity). Filled with frustration and anxiety from having just been forced to leave my homeland, I now had to face and assimilate to a new culture, environment and language. I was forced to quickly acquire the principles and communication skills to not only excel but also fit in socially. Despite my situation, I was still able to recognize the breadth of opportunities this country would offer me, educationally and professionally. Optimistically hoping that this life transition would be to my advantage, I was unfairly challenged. Early in my troubled journey in America, my peers unfairly rejected and socially excluded me due to a growing obesity problem. “Mexican Nipple, Big Green, Fat” as meaningless as I assumed the nicknames sounded, they apparently all had discriminating connotations. Although through intensive practice and tutoring I overcame my language obstacles, my obesity situation continued to attract ill...