Translation of competidor

I have been living in Holland for the last 14 years and I know the mentality very well. Holland is a small country, everybody knows everybody, so if we want to succeed, we must seize the opportunity.
My mother tongue is Spanish. For one year I lived in Spain. I'm from Huston, Texas, USA, originally. I want to study Spanish literature next year. I have already been to my professor to discuss it.
My daughter and her husband have invited me today, it is always very nice to visit them. There were many friends there too, because it was my grandson's birthday. We were very happy and celebrating.