The dress that will mean the most to me is my Quinceanera dress. A Quinceanera is when you turn 15 and you have a big party. I will wear a big princess dress. It will be the most amazing thing, like Cinderella, walking into the ballroom because all eyes will be on me. It will be my party and my time to shine like a star.

This is a very important day for all Hispanic girls when they turn 15. A Quinceanera means leaving childhood and becoming a young woman. My dad will change my shoes from flats to heels to signify this transition. Even though I haven’t worn my dress yet, I’m sure it’s going to be the most fun day of my whole entire life! 

During the summer I went to Phoenix. My mom and I went to all the stores, looking for the dress of my dreams. This was very important to me, because I wanted to be the most beautiful girl the night of my party. So for that reason I couldn’t choose just any regular dress. It had to be perfect!

We walked for a very long time. I was about to give up, I was so tired. We went to the last store on the block. It was Mary’s Bridal. When we walked in, there it was! Right in front of me was the dress of my dreams. Ah! I could hear the halleluiah chorus singing inside my head. I was so happy that I could barely speak.

I got the dress and went into the dressing room. I needed help putting it on but when I looked in the mirror, I felt so good inside. I felt all warm and giggly. I couldn’t take the dress with me that day because it wasn’t my size. It was too big. The lady said it would take 3 to 5 months for my dress to get here. I was kind of upset, because I wanted my dress.

Now, my dress is here and waiting. It is pink and pouffy and embellished in crystals. And I’m ready for my big day!

Alyssa Padilla, Bloomfield, New Mexico