If only there was a survival guide to navigate through the discrimination and prejudices. Nicole, a Hispanic woman and strong advocate for mental health, had to learn these coping mechanisms at an early age. Growing up in Alabama, she experienced her peers' ignorance and judgements about her cultural identity, from generalizations about Hispanic identities to negative stereotypes. So in an effort to preserve her self image, Nicole tried to hide parts of her cultural identity and explain herself to others. But such discrimination and close-mindedness can have lasting effects from developmental years to adulthood.