A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a close friend over lunch. We spoke about one specific job I applied for that I didn’t land and my blog came up. A blog where I post pictures of me out and about at parties, traveling, talk about racial issues amongst Latinos, speak about my neighborhood, and write about my ups and downs.

My friend stopped short of saying ‘maybe that’s why you haven’t gotten those jobs.’ I knew that’s what he really wanted to say, but I guess he thought he’d offend me.

Personally, I believe there should be nothing that holds me back from getting a job – whether it’s a picture of me having cake spread over my face at my birthday – or talking about racial issues in an honest, personal manner. I’m not a clown, nor Minister Farrakhan. If I’m qualified, I’m qualified; that’s how I view things. But I know that’s not how the world works.

When I got rejected from the last position I applied for (NBA), I wasn’t even hurt. It took so long for them to get back to me that I lost interest within that month. If I didn’t get the job because of my blog, so be it.

When my friend mentioned my blog, I actually took the time out to go through all the posts I’ve ever put up – and honestly – I don’t think anything I post here makes me look like a risk to an employer. Well, maybe a few picture posts here and there (rarely happens) of me at other people’s parties, but in terms of content, I don’t think so. I think this blog makes me look like what I really am: a smart, young adult who goes out, travels, and writes about his life.

I mean, I just can’t picture how I can’t be myself on my own blog.

Through the year and three months this blog has been open, it’s done nothing but good for me. So many people have contacted me, commented on posts, left inspired, and thanked me for sharing my thoughts. I don’t know if I was ever rejected for a job because of it and never will. All I do know is that it’s helped me get through tough times, meet people, and be presented with new opportunities.

As you all know, I’m a big “The Wire” buff as are many of my friends. In one episode, Marlo Stansfield said: “My name is my name.” When I was writing this post, I thought of that scene.

Everyone that knows me knows how/who I am. Anyone that reads my bio and the posts here who never met me can get an idea as well. I just can’t imagine how I ever sullied my name in any way while I’ve been operating this blog. If anything, I feel like I’ve made every Cabrera in my family proud of how I’m representing it…

If you’d like to subscribe to this blog, click here