Meet Des—Border-Hopping Intern, Poet, & Future Lawyer! (Story 13/40)

My name is Destenie, but I prefer Des.

I was born in Orange, California, and raised in Tijuana/San Diego. I was a 4th grader when my family moved to Tijuana following my stepdad’s deportation, a move that impacted the core of who I am today. 

Living in Tijuana allowed us to stay together. Waking up at 4 A.M; waiting in the border lines for an average of two hours; arriving at school for a full day of learning and sports; making it home at 7:30 PM - this was my life throughout middle and high school. Subjected to daily CBP inspections, long lines, and constant fatigue, I looked to my mom for strength. 

I couldn’t change my family’s situation, but I could work to develop myself, choosing to carry a free and joyful life—so I did. 

I got into UCSD with a full ride. I majored in Political Science with an emphasis on public law. It is my dream to graduate from law school and work as a criminal defense attorney. 

When I graduated in December 2021, I decided to postpone law school. At the time, I was treating crippling anxiety and chronic waves of depression. This change in decision was not easy. I am wired to salir adelante sin mirar atras como toda una chingona, as my dad likes to tell me. But my heart clamored for time devoted to exploring who I was in the grander scheme of life. 

I am studious, well-spoken, and passionate for justice, but who was I outside of my academics? What talents did I overlook while in school? And what did it look like to live free from anxiety’s stronghold? 

I found I loved kids. Specifically, middle school students. Before graduating, I began working as a mentor/coach with Horace Mann Middle students. These tender-hearted children, I learned, shared one common element: they sought acceptance. Nurturing their hearts and pumping their confidence came naturally to me. And I realized my gifts include empathy and connection with people. 

My students inspired me. I’d listen to myself say to them, “You can do anything!”, “You are brilliant.” And I believed what I told them. What I didn’t see coming was how these beliefs impacted how I viewed myself. 

I began exploring my creative side through writing, literature, visual art, and nature. I felt an affinity for photography as it felt liberating and natural, and the writing I produce from it is touching. I dove into both about two months after graduating. 

Since then, I’ve committed to seeing my dreams through. One day, I will work full-time as a photographer. Through this job, I will startup an interior decor brand named Plantitas Con Amor, where I will sell plants and aesthetic interior decor and supplies. My goal is for the businesses to cover my living expenses while I study law. 

I am in this for the long haul. And I love being this chingona.

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To Be

by Des 

Spontaneous, 

Creative, 

Driven 

Yes, this is 

Beautiful

But, I can’t seem to shake off 

The tenderness 

Her hands,

Her smile, 

She glows

Like sunlight,

She gleams 

Hard to unsee

How beautiful just watching 

Her be.