Oso framed this belated Día del Niño meme (posting a photo of oneself as a child) as an interesting exercise in seeing just how much we have not changed since we were kids when it comes to personality and mannerisms. I probably haven’t changed much in those aspects and — some will say — my appearance.

So what was I like as a kid? I followed around my older brother, Danny, which was often a bad idea since he was a travieso. I got two younger siblings when I was 3.5 and 5 years old, and became totally fascinated by them. I was somewhat of a tomboy who loved baseball and playing with the boys, but I also loved frilly dresses. I got caught up in Fernandomania, cheered on the Dodgers as they beat the Oakland A’s in the 1988 World Series and even played on a couple of baseball teams filled with boys. I learned to dance by following the adults’ steps at weddings and other parties. I sang along with my dad, and when the music was in Spanish he’d translate and explain the lyrics. I loved school and often ended up being a teacher’s pet without really trying. I could often be found with a book in hand (Babysitters Club). One of my favorite songs was Ramon Ayala’s “Vestida de Color de Rosa.”

And my mannerisms? Well, you’ll have to ask my parents and older relatives to see if I’ve changed much since I was kid. However, given that my interests haven’t changed too much, I’m sure they’d say I’m the same Cindy I was when I still needed help to tie my shoe laces.