I think we are in a
great moment in our country to show compassion towards our neighbors—it amazes
me how much our country is composed of immigrants. I know of no other place on
earth where you can find so many fabulous faces, restaurants, languages, and
styles of dress all mashed together.
So, this week we are
going to start thinking about immigration—no, we are not going to get too
political with it. We will start with a simple question—simple for some. How
long have you, or your family, been in this country? What circumstances brought
you here. Starting with myself, my great-grandfather came here from Germany in
the 1880s. They faced anti-German discrimination in New York and moved to
Wisconsin. By 1900, the family was in Colorado. My father was the only one in
the family to get an education—the first and only college educated one in his
generation in his family! He got a scholarship to the U of Colorado in 1950 because
he was a golf caddy (yes, just like Caddyshack). That education got him a job
out here in California.
As always, if there is
any reason you do not feel comfortable writing about this—and believe me, I
could not be more understanding of that with so much fear right now—then you
could talk about the immigrant story of someone you know.
Well to be honest I’ve never really pay much attention to those type of things in life my parents never spoke of such thing all they would say to me is that I should be grateful for what I have and I should be grateful I don’t have to struggle as much as they did when they first crossed the border to get into the US. Although my grandmother used to tell me wonderful stories about her young days and how she and her then boyfriend escape from Mexico into the United States. It’s weird to talk about that but my grandmother really didn’t cared she always spoke the truth, which brings me to why she decided to cross the border at the young age of 15, she had mentioned to me that she had to leave the country because as a women she was portray to be a housewives and her parents had arranged her to marry a guy she didn’t love so she ran away to the US. Now my family all are from Mexico well most of them when my grandmother left Mexico for the US she said she married an African American guy to which she had four children with him she later divorced him and re married yet again, we’ve moved to the US to get a better living situation and to live what they say “the American Dream” I have to say this dream seems more like a nightmare more than anything because I don’t feel as free as I used to before and I’m not saying it because of our President or Government I’m just talking in general. We’ve come a long way! And I must day I couldn’t be happier to be half Mexican half African American and half Salvadorian I can say I am really proud and honor to have a family that really supports each other no matter what.
ReplyDeleteI like how stream of consciousness this is, Joaquin...you just let loose! Indeed, you should be proud
DeleteYes Dr. Schmoll indeed I am, I am proud of my background I wasn't trying to be too open but sometimes you have to open up in order to get loose! and I am straight forward when it comes to my family and my background.
DeleteIt seems like you had a very brave grandma. Back on the day, woman were expected to obey their parents without questioning their decisions. Your grandma actually refused to follow the norm. Thanks to her and more woman who fought for what they believed was right, now woman have rights to decided how to live their lives.
DeleteYes Marisol she was very rebellious and very open minded she didn't cared what she said she always spoke the truth about others. I felt like sometimes she was too forward and to open to people but that's what made her one of a kind she was an awesome person and very free spirited.
DeleteWait, being "half Mexican half African American and half Salvadorian," makes you 150%!! (HAHA!! I couldn't resist, lol!) Your abuela's story is pretty awesome, and no doubt she's a strong and courageous woman.
DeleteJoaquin, Your grandmother sounds like a very courageous woman. Not everyone can say they're that bold to take on a new journey at such young age.
DeleteScott it is pretty funny if you think about I was trying to being straight forward with my story but I'm glad you find amusing HA! but yea I'm happy and proud to be what I am although it's funny because I look more Mexican than anything my grandmother's Genes were really strong but my father looks pretty African American HA!
DeleteViridiana yea when she first told me story I didn't even believe her all that she went through I was like grandma your lying HA! but then she told me the reasons why she did certain things I understood so much more and gave me even more respect towards her.
DeleteI am glad to know your grandmother was able to give you that important information about your family history. It also showed how courageous of a woman she was with the difficult decisions she had to face and surpass.
DeleteJoaquin,
DeleteYour grandmother seems like a spunky woman. Much like my own grandmother! While they have different life stories, they both seem to be very strong, courageous, and independent. Some of the things my grandmother says are so truthful that they are almost hysterical.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMy ethic heritage and my families immigration to the United States of America is one I am honored to share. I can only imagine many of you feel the same. The many amazing and moving stories of how each made man, woman, and child left their homeland and made sacrifices to come to America. Each about to see their dreams and aspirations of beginning life anew filled new freedoms, opportunities, and the possibility of pursuing the American Dream about to come true.
ReplyDeleteMy Greek side came to America back in the late 1800's, coming from Macedonia to Youngstown Ohio. My great grandfather owned a Greek restaurant and lost it during the Great Depression because as Yia Yia (My grandmother) tells it, "people were so poor and hungry, he couldn't not feed them". My grandmother went on to meet her husband, got married, and relocated to Detroit. They started a family and had a daughter and two sons.
My father's journey from Italy is one that is a familiar story told by many people immigrating to the United States after WWII.
After the destruction sustained all over Europe and the aftermath left to deal with, like many Europeans, my grandparents received their visa to come to the United States.
Leaving with with their son and daughter and borrowing $1000, my 'nono'/Virgilio and 'nona'/Anita said good bye to San Marino, Italy, and the small village/town they had come from, the only home they had ever known. It was 1950, and after waiting years for their visa application to the U.S. to be accepted, finally, permission was granted.
They arrived via boat to New York City, then stayed with cousins in Sandusky, Ohio until they made the decision to move to Detroit, Mi and further pursue their vision of the American Dream.
My grandfather started a construction business to which eventually my father and uncle would later join him after each had finished high school, went into the armed forces, and probably sewed a few wild oats along the way.
The one thing both my nona and nono would tell me when I was much younger was that I didn't know how lucky I was to be in such a great country. Nono would tell me time and time again during my time growing up, "I come to this country after my farm was going, we have nothing. We leave Italy $1000 in debt to come here. We don't know one word of English, we are a stranger to this country, and I only have three grade education, but look what I have done...". "You, you are born here, you know the language, you have good schools. You are so lucky, boy. Take advantage."
His leaving war torn Italy, and the trials and tribulations along the way eventually came to fruition with a home, a successful construction company, an apartment building. None of that would have meant anything to my nono had he not had his family there with him every step of the way. Yet, so many refuges/immigrants have to do just that, leave their families behind in the hopes of providing a better life for them all.
...all the world is a story...very cool!
DeleteI love hearing life stories like this. So, are you now a part of the construction business?
DeleteNo, we left Michigan during the recession in 1980, and relocated to Texas. My father started a trim carpentry and cabinetry business that has grown into one of the biggest cabinet manufacturing facilities in the Southwest U.S. Benedettini Cabinetry is the company name. When I was younger I did trim cabinetry, but then moved on to become a chef, and realized I wanted to do more with my brain as I got older, so I returned to school three and a half years ago.
DeleteFollow your heart, because we are only here once.
DeleteIt's amazing to see that feel honored to share your family's experience, it is amazing to see how much your family has accomplished!
DeleteVery interesting story. My father immigrated during WW2 as well.
DeleteHi Scott, it's awesome to read that your family is very united and took on your grandfathers construction business. Even more so, that they continued to make their dreams come into reality.
DeleteYou are so fortunate to have such a rich knowledge of your family history. I enjoyed reading about both sides of your family and how they immigrated from Greece and Italy.
DeleteI find fascinating your multicultural background. Greek and Italian? How are those similar or different? My daughters are the first generation born in the USA. They have adapted to the American culture, but their Hispanic side is more dominant. How about you?
ReplyDeleteYes, Scott, good question from Marisol. Do you have a side that is more dominant? I find that fascinating, that we tend to focus on certain parts of ourselves.
DeleteHi, Marisol, Happy Monday!! I am also a first generation, like your daughters. Differences between Greek/Italian? I would say that there are huge differences in cuisine, though both are excellent, they are different. Both sides are very compassionate, energetic, demonstrative with body language while speaking, lol, and both sides are very caring. There are differences in certain holiday traditions, but I imagine it is like that in most families Hmmmm, I would say that growing up both sides were equally influential, but in different ways. Of course, when it came to holidays, both sides represented the tradition with cuisine and ascetics from their region(s) of origin. A side that is more dominant? Hmmmm, growing up I would say my Greek side was more conscious in talking about Greek history and tradition, etc. Whereas with my Italian side, I learned more about my roots in school than I did from my family. My father was more consumed with shaking off his Italian roots and becoming more Americanized.
DeleteThanks for sharing. I can relate to your father on wanting to incorporate himself to the American culture. Sometimes I think is better to be part of the dominant group (just sometimes). One more thing, you are so right when you mention that there are differences in most families. A family begins with two parents, and they can be from the same cultural background, but with different believes. However, they are going to educate their children on their own way, they will create their own family rules and traditions.
DeleteMy family, from as far back as I could trace, were all from the Caribbean, differing islands. Of course this is after being brought across the Atlantic Ocean from West Africa below deck of slave ships. From my great-grandparents to my generation, we have all been born in what is now the U.S. Virgin Islands. I came to the mainland U.S. about thirty-one years ago in the army. I decided to stay here in California after serving this country because the weather is not too harsh, compared to some of the other states I visited, and I found that there were more opportunities for my long-term goals here. Being that I am a US citizen, recent political actions have no direct impact on my personhood, but I do empathize with those who are being targeted after the many contributions they have provided for this society. OK, no more politics! I have met some wonderful people from all corners of the world here in the United States, even here at CSUB, and I believe this is one of many aspects that make this country a magnet for immigrants, along with economic benefits. As a small business owner, I get to invade people’s sacred spaces, and speak to them at some vulnerable times, which led me to come to the conclusion that no matter where a person is from, they come here for almost all the same reasons, a chance to make a better life for themselves and there family.
ReplyDeleteWhat's sad is the reasons so many immigrants have to leave their homeland, too. Political, economic, religious, etc. Thank you for your service in defending this nation, Albion.
DeleteYou are more than welcomed Scott. What makes it all worth it to me is when I hear stories such as your family's. It gives me a sense of pride to know that in some small way, I may have helped another human to accomplish their hopes and dreams for them-self and their family.
DeleteAlbion,
Deletewell said I have also had the opportunity to come across people who have migrated here from different places and I think it's wonderful being able to share classes with people who different from us, with different backgrounds etc.
Hello, Albion.
DeleteDiversity is what makes a country like this so great! I love to hear the stories about where people have come from, and you have quite the story. I am glad that this is a country that has enabled you to pull off your goals and keep pursuing your future goals. Best wishes!
Albion,
DeleteYou wrote an excellent story. I really enjoyed it because, you talked about your great-grandparents’ journey from West Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You clearly stated when you arrived to the United States, and why you chose to stay in California. You did a good job coming up with truths about migrating to the United States, which are the following: nice people, job/economic opportunities, and getting into people’s sacred spaces to speak to them at vulnerable times. Overall, the United States offers a lot of opportunities, justifiable rights, and support for people. The United States also has better weather climates compared to SE Asia, Africa, and Iceland. I noticed that CSUB and the town of Bakersfield are two of the nicest and friendliest places in California. The United States also has a lot of wonderful tourist locations, like the following: Hawaii, the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, Universal Studios Hollywood, San Diego Zoo, Times Square, and Broadway Theater. The United States contains a lot of health resources, in order to heal the people who are sick. In the United States, everyone can increase their promotions and salaries. I wish you the best of luck.
Roshaan S.
Hi Roshaan. I also find the people of Bakersfield to be warm and friendly for the most part. Monterey County is pretty friendly also, although it is a tourist town. Get away from the tourist areas and you'll find friendliness all around.
DeleteI agree with you Albion, that is why most immigrants come into the United States. If only that would be the view political figures could come to agree with instead of stigmatizing them with negativity. Also thanks for your service :)
DeleteMy dad was an immigrant in our own country. He was from Texcoco, a little town near Mexico City. He moved to the City when he married my mom. The first time my dad came to US was back on 1975. He crossed over during the “Brasero” era. He worked on the cotton fields on Texas. He came and went back for 5 years. In 1985 he decided to bring my two brothers and cross the border without papers. They set in California working as gardeners. They fixed papers during the amnesty of 1987 or so. My parents were divorced, and my dad was not helping my mom to support my 2 sisters and me. She had not family members nearby to help her, so she decided to immigrate to America as many people did. I think this was one of the hardest decisions she had made on her life, not just because she was leaving us behind by ourselves, but because of our ages. I was 13 years old then, my sisters were 15 and 17 respectively. She came with her compadres to Oxnard and worked in the strawberry fields. My mom was able to fix her papers as well through the amnesty. Eventually my mom send for us. I crossed over the border illegally when I was 17 years old. I left behind my home, my friends, my life. I did not work in the fields, instead I was working in a house as a babysitter. I received my permanent residence 15 years after I first came. I had been in this country for 28 years now, more than what I lived in Mexico. I decided to go back to school 10 years ago. I had to start with my GED, then my AA from Bakersfield College, and eventually I will receive a Bachelor from CSUB. As parents, we want our children to have better opportunities, and better life style then ourselves. I tell this story to with my daughters, because I want them to be aware that everything on life has a price, and that we have to work hard to accomplish our goals.
ReplyDeleteHi Marisol,
DeleteI was moved by your story. Life is not easy and I believe you went through many obstacles to get where you are now. I am glad you have not gave up and will accomplish your goals.
Hi, Marisol!!
DeleteYour story about you and your mom persevering through tough times is very inspiring. Your educational quest is equally inspiring, too. When I worked in the Resource Center at Cerro Coso Community College, before transferring to CSUB, I would sign-up many people for the online GED program, but very few would complete it.
Hi Scott, Yes, it is sad that people would not make it all the way through the end. When you were at Cerro Coso, the people that you signed for the GED were adults? There are no excuses to progress on life. To some, it would take longer, and it would be harder. However, when we are older is more difficult to return to school. The house, employment, children, and everyday responsibilities will keep us from pursuing our goals. On my personal opinion, I think that we as immigrants, we need to demonstrate that we are people who could be socially and economically independent. We do not want to be the excuse for politics to bring unconstitutional laws.
DeleteHey Denise, I won’t give up. I’m almost at the end. I didn’t go through all that mess to stay looking and do nothing about it. I have three daughters, and they need a role model to make their life’s even better. Who better than their mom?
DeleteMarisol,
Deletesuch an inspiring story! You have accomplished so much and for that you should be proud! I hope your kids learn from you and take advantage of all the opportunities they have being given! Keep it going! you are almost there.
Thanks Deisy. My oldest girl did. She graduated from CSU Sacramento. Two more to go!
DeleteMarisol,
DeleteYes, the people I would sign up were mostly older adults, between 30-50. I believe most didn't know what they were getting into when signing up for the GED online prep courses, and were expecting it to be easy, and quit when the going got a little tough.
Marisol, you have gone through a lot, but you're almost there. Your story is very moving.
DeleteI had the luxury of being born here in the United States, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else for the past 21 years. Both of my parents, however, came from different places and met each other in Los Angeles. My dad was born in Mexico with only his mom present and six sisters; he was the only male in the family. My mom was born in El Salvador, the eldest of three. My mom’s story was much tamer than my dads’ since she spent most of her childhood where she was born while my grandpa, her dad, traveled to America to find a safe place to bring his family. My dad’s journey, from what he has told me, and I have collected from different times; I have been able to put together bits and pieces to somewhat understand where it all connected.
ReplyDeleteMy dad isn’t known for having conversations where he tells his story, but he told me at the age of eight he was already working picking up cow poop in a bag to sell to brick workers, so they can make bricks. His family was very poor, but because he was the only son in his family they treated him with a little extra care. He once said he cried so much because he hadn’t eaten in so long his sisters waited by a chicken until it laid an egg, and while it was still soft they cooked it immediately. He was a bright student, but wanted to help his family more, so he told his mom he was traveling to Mexico to be able to support them. When he was thirteen he met with a “Cayote” who help Mexicans sneak across the border, these cayotes get paid a lot, but also put their life and everyone else’s’ life in danger. Luckily, they had made it but was nowhere near a place he would be truly safe. He knew he had family in Los Angeles, but was very dependent on the guide to take him as far as he could. Well, his guide got caught and was arrested by the police. Lost and abandoned my dad thought about turning himself in to the authorities to take him back to Mexico. He did not speak the language, and did not understand what people were saying to him. This part gets fuzzy but he somehow meets a cousin and could reach his aunt’s house. The funny part was, he lived in his aunt’s house for a few years, went to church, and was trying to finish school, but the house he was living in was down the street from where my mom lived.
Eventually meeting in church, or so they say, they got married and had my brother and me. So being born here I was born a citizen. My dad says a certain year they had legalized the immigrants so him getting legalized was a lot easier than it is today. He started working for a company as a janitor eventually learning how the machines operated and would try to learn as much as he could. Now he is a supervisor for that company.
Sometimes we take for granted the struggles one goes through and the life goals they set out. My dad, as soon as he got a paycheck would send money to his mom like he had promised. He had continued to set money every month so she can live without having to worry, just like he had promised until she passed away last year. I honestly can’t see myself getting the education I am getting today if it wasn’t for both of my parent’s effort to raise me here, and teach me the importance of perseverance and getting an education. At the end of the day, we are all human; you never know what kind of struggles someone has gone through to be where they are today.
Hi Stephanie,
DeleteI think your family's story is very inspiring. I think it is amazing to have a father with that much ambition. He was able to learn the functions of the machines as a janitor and now he is the supervisor. Your families story goes to show that when someone wants to succeed, they will do everything in their power to succeed. Props and cheers to your family.
Thank you, sometimes I forget the struggles he went through when he is just sitting down watching t.v. Im sure you can relate with your own story as well crossing over into the US
DeleteStephanie,
DeleteI like how you expressed that you had the luxury of being born here in this country, indeed it is a luxury because one is open to more opportunities as well as we face less problems. There are others who don't have it as easy and they must endure certain struggles to get here. It is great to see how much you appreciate how lucky you are!
- I'm glad you have been inspired and motivated by your parents' hard work and determination for a better future. This story has motivated me too. It's beautiful how we learn from other people. Thank you for sharing,Stephanie.
DeleteMy grandparents came to California when myou mom was 5 years old. My grandparents wanted a better life for thier children. My mom didn't graduate from high school but I had other uncles and aunts that did and went off to college. I was born here in Visalia, CA and I am the first in my family to graduate from high school and have a college degree. My brother and sister didn't graduate high school either. I've live here all my life and my mom was here til she passed in 2011. It's amazing the stories I heard. Like when she first got here she would go out and work with my grandparents in the fields and that is something that is not common as it was back then. So to hear this I was amazed. Circumstances that brought my grandparents here was to give thier children a better life. Education here is better than in mexico because you could only attend to a certain grade. You wouldn't even make it to high school thier. My aunts and uncles had to work at a young age to help out around the house to provide income but at the same time go to school. This is something that is not common and you don't see that anymore. I remember my grandma always tell us stay in school and make something of yourself because your education is important and that is the only way to get a great job and live a good life. My mom and grandparents are gone now but I know the struggles they had to go through to get here so they could live a better life.
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia,
DeleteI had the same experience. My parents did not get educated in Mexico because the need for them to work to support their family was higher than seeking an education. We are very fortunate to be able to choose and have the ability to study to become anyone we want to be.
Hi Claudia I wish my parents would talk more about their past and their struggles but all I can get out of them is that I should be glad I didn't live or that I'm not living the way they were living because according to them back In the days it was very hard to survived and that I understand but I want more details from them but ill take anything to be honest. I think for the most part half if not everyone that migrated to this country came for one reason and one reason only to have a better life and better economic status.
DeleteHi Claudia,
DeleteI agree with you now a days young adults decide to get a career because they are aware that in order to have a good future they need to be educated. My grandparents would also tell me that I should focus on school so that I can have a profession.
Hi, Claudia.
DeleteMy grandparents would say the same thing to me about staying in school, and that I was lucky to have nice schools to go to, etc., etc. We'll most likely give our grandchildren the same advice.
Hi Claudia, your family experiences sound similar to mine. They have had to work hard and defeat obstacles to get what they wanted. I've also heard the same advice, and it's true your education is your ticket to a lot of things.
DeleteI was talking with a colleague today whose wife is from Japan--she is Issei. Their daughter was born last year--Nissei. They have different names for each category. Immigration is amazing!
ReplyDeleteMy parents migrated to The United States about 30 years ago. My father decided he wanted to give his future children a better opportunity in the states rather than in Mexico. My father and my mother came here when they were very young, searching for the American Dream. In Mexico, they faced a vindictive government. Both my parents only made it to third grade in elementary school because the need to work was higher. Unfortunately, many life barriers came between my family so I will be the only one to be college educated. Being first generation has been quite a ride but I am proud to say that thanks to my father, I had the opportunity to choose an education. My father gave me the gift that no one will ever be able to take from me, my education.
ReplyDeleteHey Melissa, I think most if not everyone that migrated to this country came for the same reason to have a better life and have a better economic life and yes to give their family a better education and more opportunities.
DeleteMelissa, it's so refreshing to hear you don't take your parents sacrifices for granted. Good luck on your educational journey!
DeleteMelissa, as you said: your dad gave you the opportunity of better education. Now it's up to you to decide how far do you want to go. Please do not settle for little.
DeleteHi Melissa,
DeleteI love hearing stories about people whose parents decided to move to America for the better interests of their family, especially their kids. I have a lot of friends who are first generations in their families whose parents moved from places like Mexico, El Salvador, and all over. Congrats to you on your education and best of luck!
Melissa, you have a great support. Don't give up and I know your father is very proud of you.
DeleteI was born in the U.S, but both my parents were born in Mexico. I can't remember being told any stories when they were in Mexico, but they came to the U.S at a young age. Both of parents did not finish school and do not have college degrees. Even without college degrees, they have always worked hard to provide me and my siblings with all the necessary things that we need. They have experienced the farm labor and they have always encouraged me to do my best in school, because they want me to have a better job. I have not worked in the fields, but from the experience of my parents, I know that it is hard, long hours, and not much pay. I am also the first attending a university, so one of my goals is to make my parents proud. It is hard being the first to go to college, because you don't have tips on how to manage time with hw or work, but everything is possible. I am grateful for my parents choosing to search for better opportunities and a better life.
ReplyDeleteI'll always be grateful for my parents. I think so too, they can be very fascinating to hear.
DeleteIt's great that your paving the way for a better future for your family. I think it's great you are striving to do great things with your family story in this country.
DeleteI was born in the United States along with the rest of my five siblings. My mother was also born and raised in the U.S, but my dad was born and raised in Jalisco, Mexico. At the age of 11, he immigrated to the U.S and settled in Los Angeles, CA where he met my mom. My dad decided to move to America in order for him have a better life and have greater opportunities to become successful. He ended up getting a job in the construction business and after several years of experience he eventually became a supervisor for his company. Although he became pretty successful in his job, he never made it passed the sixth grade with his education. My mom was more fortunate enough to continue pass high school got her diploma and eventually received her associates degree in both liberal arts and criminal justice. I have five brothers, I am the second to oldest in my family. None of them have gone passed high school to obtain a higher education. I am the only person among my siblings to receive an associates degree and I will soon be the first in my family to obtain my bachelors degree in Psychology. I can definitely say that I am very grateful for my parents sacrifices, help, and motivation that has got me to where I am now.
ReplyDeleteHi Ariana, great job for pursuing a bachelors degree! I'm glad your dad came to look for better opportunities and he became successful in his job. Your parents are very hard workers!
DeleteThank you Emily! I appreciate it:)
DeleteHi Ariana,
DeleteI think it is so cool that you are pressing on towards getting your BA in Psych! That is what I am getting mine in too. It is awesome that you recognize the sacrifices that your parents have made for you and your family. I am amazed that your dad moved here at age 11! I'm sure that was not an easy transition, but it eventually paid off. :)
I try to write out my response before reading any other submissions in order for me to be completely forward. However,I started reading and I am in awe at how fascinating submissions have been thus far! I now wish my own story was just as interesting.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I don't know when my family, from either side, first came to the United States. My mother's maternal grandparents were born in Mexico. I don't know when they decided to make the trek, nor do I know what prompted such a move. I know absolutely nothing about my mother's paternal grandparents. On my father's side, again I don't know a whole lot about his paternal grandparents. What I do know is before my grandmother passed away in 1994, she gave to my father a record of her lineage dating back to about the late 1600s, if I remember correctly, and can trace her lineage back to Scotland. I guess this will get me to start asking more questions. Too bad some of those that may have some answers for me are no longer around. Either way, it'd be interesting to see who knows what.
Hi Theresa, just like Jose said there are other people who are in your situation of not really knowing about their family history, I hope you will be able to find many interesting and positive information on your family background that you will enjoy hearing.
DeleteTheresa,
Deleteseems like you have a lot of research to do! Hopefully you are able to find some answers, trust me it is more interesting than you think once you realize where your family came from and what reasons brought them here!
As said before, you're not alone in not knowing your family's immigration story. I'm glad this week's topic has motivated you to ask questions though.
DeleteMy father first came to United States as an illegal immigrant at the age of seventeen. He came with the purpose of working hard to be able to send money to his siblings that were in Jalisco, Mexico. My father had a sister that lived in Los Angeles so he stayed with her there. When he first came here he started working in an Italian restaurant as a cook. Then he became familiarized with more jobs and became a mechanic. My father was just trying to make more money and he began to do mechanic side jobs at home. After that one of his uncles introduced him to construction. Finally, my dad moved from Los Angeles to Bakersfield to provide a better future for his family. He decided to move to Bakersfield because back in 2006 living in Bakersfield was cheap and he was able to buy a house. I do not think that if we had stayed living in Los Angeles our dream of having our house would have came true. Also, living in Bakersfield gave my father new opportunities because he joined the union and started working in Scaffolds. My father is now a supervisor without completing the 6th grade.
ReplyDeleteIn the other hand, my mother came from Jalisco, Mexico when she was 17. She finished high school in North Hollywood. My mother worked at a hospital in the kitchen. She would prepare food for the patients and visitors. It was hard for my mom to leave Los Angeles because she loved it. Finally, she gave in and moved to Bakersfield and now she works for the state here at CSUB. I love to know that my mom works at the school I attend because I get to see her often.
I was born in Northridge, California and I am proud to be the daughter of two hard working immigrants who worked hard to support their family. I am also happy my mother became a U.S. Citizen and my father is still a resident, but he is in the process of becoming a Citizen. I grew up in Los Angeles till I was 12 then we moved to Bakersfield. I graduated from Foothill High School and I am a year from receiving my B.A. from CSUB.
That is so cool that your dad go great opportunities even though he had little education. Both you parents worked hard for you guys to have a good life and that is great. They showed you guys that hard work can pay off. Denise you have some amazing parents.
DeleteI enjoyed hearing your story because it sounded very similar to mine. It is very interesting and nice to know how you can find people along the way in which you are able to relate to.
DeleteThis is an amazing life story! Everything is possible, and it can be demonstrated by your hard working family!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Islia, that is an awesome story! I wish you success with your career and good luck with receiving your permanent residency!!
DeleteThank you Emily :)
DeleteI was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, it been 14 years that I have not gone back due to my immigration status. Before coming to the United States my parents had to come to this country first in order to make money to send for me and my younger sister. It took about a year before they were able to sent for us. Meanwhile we stayed with my grandmother in Veracruz, Mexico. During the time we stayed with my grandma we did not attend school due to some complications, which made it probably one of the most adventurous and best year of my childhood, except for the part that me and my sister were apart from our parents and our baby sister. When my parents were able to sent for us about 14 years ago, life changed for me. Everything was different, from a new language to a new lifestyle. It was for the best because we were more stable and at last my family was together. however, it was difficult because I felt like an outsider. I did not know anyone, nor was I able to communicate well with others since I did not speak English. Learning English was probably the biggest challenge I encounter as an immigrant. Children in my classes would bully me and make me feel bad because I was an immigrant that did not know English, until things slowly started getting better as my English improved. Fast-forward to today, after all the struggle and the discouragements from people that I would not be able to attend college and achieve the American Dream, I am just a semester away from being the first generation in my family to achieve a Bachelors Degree with the goal to continue my education in graduate school, and that is all thanks to God for allowing me the opportunities that I have had over the years, despite my status in this country. On one note, I am just one step from receiving my permanent residency, wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteIslia, good luck in receiving your permanent residency. You seem like a person with good intentions and I hope your are given that opportunity to be able to accomplish even more.
DeleteWow! this is a really inspirational story! Your parents must be very proud of you. Great job on not giving up, and achieving so much success despite all of those obstacles throughout your life you have managed to rise above it.
DeleteAmazing story Islia! Good luck on your permanent residency and great writing!
DeleteIsilia,
DeleteI can relate to your story is many aspects! It is inspirational to see how much you have accomplish! I hope you are able to achieve even more!
What a great story! I really enjoyed reading it
DeleteWow Islia,
DeleteReading your story gave me chills! It was such a story of perseverance and determination! I could only imagine what it would be like to have to learn a new language, and from the looks of it, you have done quite well! Best of luck to you and biggest blessings!
Thank you all for the good wishes :)
DeleteIt's so cool to learn about everyones family history and how they arrived here in our beautiful country. My family came here in the 1800s. Both sets of great great grandparents came from Germany and Scotland I believe. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time growing up with my great grandma, who was born here in the early 1900s. She had so many stories to tell. My family has been in Bakersfield for about 80 years. So Bakersfield definitely has a special place in my heart and I never plan to leave this great community of ours. I am fortunate enough to say many of my family members have been through Bakersfield's education system. Many families and cultures immigrated to our beautiful land and that's what makes it so great. The heritage and stories of each family is so unique and I love it.
ReplyDeleteJeson, I love grand-parents' stories. They tell the story like if they were living that moment again. Its amazing how much history we can learn from them.
DeleteJason,
DeleteIt was so cool that your family arrived to the United States in the 1800s. In my case, my family arrived to the United States in the 1990s. I hope to visit England, Ireland, Hungary, and Italy in the future. What is your opinion about Germany and Scotland? Are they nice places to live? I do agree that Bakersfield is a good community, because it consists of good educational resources, nice people, and a fairly good cost of living. Overall, you wrote a very good response to the discussion question. This is because your story was clear, concise, and representative to the city of Bakersfield. I also noticed that grandparents’ stories are funny, exciting, open-minded, and memorable. I noticed that Bakersfield consists of cultural blending, warm weather, peaceful places, and friendly people. I wish you the best of luck.
Roshaan S.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy father obtained a work visa at the age of 20. He was a bus driver, and worked for Autobuses Norte de Sonora. His job required him to travel at least once a month to the United States to drop off passengers to their destination. Although he was in and out of California, he said he never care to stay because his whole family was in Mexico. In 1990, my sisters were 17,19, and 20 respectively. They migrated to the United States with an uncle looking for a better future. At the time, we lived in a small town in Sinaloa, Mexico. It was a very hard decision for my parents to send my sisters to California with an uncle, but they had to do it. At the time, crime rate was very high back home with the Sinaloa cartel, and my parents didn't want my sisters to be around any of that. For what my sisters tell me, it was very hard for them at the beginning, having to work in the fields and many other odd jobs in order to make ends meet. Eventually, they got married and had children. In 2001, My mother and I were granted a visa and my parents decided to move to California to reunite with my sisters. I was 14 years old, so It was very hard for me to leave all my friends and life behind. I was very fortunate to not have to go through the same struggles my sisters went through when they came here. After three weeks of being here, I started High school.I am very thankful for my sisters and parents, because of their sacrifices and struggles I am where I am today. I make sure to remind them as often as possible how much I love them and how thankful I am for the opportunity they provided for me. I am first generation in my family to pursuit a Bachelors Degree and will hopefully be done by next semester. But again, this could not have been done with out my family.
ReplyDeleteViridiana, I can relate I am very thankful for my parents as well. Now it is up to us to not let them down and make the most of the opportunities we have.
DeleteYour parents are very hard workers. It is awesome to know you took advantage of those opportunities that you had in your life. I will also be the first in my generation to receive a bachelors degree which is something to be very proud of and its such a great feeling to have.
DeleteVirdiana, You have hardworking parents! Reminds me of my parents. I agree, without family it wouldn't be possible.
DeleteI am an American citizen born and raised in Bakersfield, in the same house since I was 2 months old! My mom and dad are also American, my mom from here and my dad from El Paso, Texas. His grandparents came here from Mexico to Texas and had a lot of kids. So I have family that still lives in Texas, Oklahoma and California. My grandpa was born in Mexico but met my grandma in America, then he moved back so I visit him only like once a year, but I like to hear all of the stories he has. My background means a lot to me even though I did not go through nearly as hard of circumstances as my family and I am thankful for them being such hard workers. I think my family being so large and spread out is cool because we all have different daily experiences and stories to share when we get together. I hope to travel and find out more about my family's heritage as I get older!
ReplyDeleteThat's cool that you have lived in the same house since you were 2 months old. I have moved a few times in my life time. Parents are great examples in our lives and that is so cool that your parents were such great example to you and showed you that hard work can pay off. Its also cool to learn about your families past i know that i enjoy hearing about mine.
DeleteHi Jade, it sounds like you are very proud of your family and your background. I’m a little jealous about the fact that you have lived in the same house since ever. I like it. Unfortunately, I have moved several times, yet I could say that some had been for better. I have 12 years living in my house. Maybe this is the longest I have lived in one place.
DeleteMy parents came to the United States from Mexico in 1991. They left there families behind to pursue better life opportunities for my sister and brother. At the time I was still not even planned. They urged to move to California since my mother was pregnant and they didn't want to have any more children in Mexico. In Mexico they lived in a small ranch and would work in low wage jobs. They only held a 6th grade education. When they moved to the U.S they only thought about our future not theirs. They crossed illegally and never fixed papers. They gave up their dreams to be able to provide my siblings and I to have better opportunities. My siblings and I are all pursuing a career. My brother is the only one in the process to fixing papers. I am lucky to be born in the U.S and to have the luxury of having parents who gave it all to us to be educated and to pursue what we want to be in life.
ReplyDeleteThat's sweet of your parents to give up everything just for their children. It's so sad that they had to leave their families behind to live a better life. Have you visited Mexico?
DeleteMy family immigrated to the United States from Mexico in 1986. My father got a work permit to be able to come to Mexico at that time. My mother and my older sister who was two at the time followed shortly. They crossed illegally by walking across the border through a town. I was born in San Francisco in 1990 by the time I was about three or four my father already had his own grocery store in San Francisco. We lived in a small two-bedroom apartment where our family of five lived, plus at least ten other family members at a time. My father supported most of the family and worked day and night, literally getting home at 11 pm and leaving for 4 am the next day. My father came here for all the right reasons and still works very hard and has started two more businesses on his own. I am fortunate that my father came to this country, which allowed me to get the education I have received. My mother also became a U.S. citizen since arriving in this country I can remember practicing for her test because I was in eighth grade and also had to study for my constitution test. Now that I think about it my father moved here when he was my age, 26 and my mother was 17, leaving everything they knew and not knowing when they would be able to see their families must have been extremely terrifying.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy hearing about families that come here and accomplish so much like your dad having his own business. That shows determination to have a better life. Thanks for sharing your story.
DeleteYour father sounds like a hardworking and successful man. Your parents are so lucky you're grateful for what they have done and they will appreciate it forever. They sound like great people and I agree it must have been scary to leave everything.
DeleteMy family migrated to the United States more than 20 years ago. I am a U.S. citizen but migrated to this country when I was just a young girl. I have always been afraid to share my background with others because I fear rejection or being judged by others around me because of my background. Although I have never experienced any type of discrimination it is still something that frightens me. Perhaps I am afraid of being judged for something I had no control over, something that was done before I could even decide for myself. But thanks to my parent's decision I have been blessed with the opportunity to call this country my home for as long as I can remember and I have been given many opportunities that I am sure I would've never had back in Mexico. Since I was young I always dreamed of the day I would attend college and become a professional and now that I finally have the opportunity to achieve that dream I couldn't be more thankful. It has not been an easy journey, the transition was tough the change was difficult but I was able to overcome all that because I knew I had one job and that was to give back to my parents for all they had done for me. I have never really shared my story with others because I don't want people to look at me as the "outsider" because I'm not, Im no different than everyone else around me. I am a regular human being who has worked hard to achieve her dreams and make her parents journey to this country worth it. I became a citizen because I have lived here most of my life and I cannot picture myself elsewhere. I do visit my family in Mexico once in a while, I love going back and eating the delicious food. My life has been a complete rollercoaster since I was small, however, this never made me change my mind about what I want to achieve. Overall, I couldn't be more grateful with my parents for making the decision to migrate to this country because it has opened many doors for me. I only hope to accomplish more in the near future and I hope to get rid of my fear and be more open with people to be able to share my story with pride because I should feel proud of myself instead of afraid.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have such a positive mindset! Good for you for chasing your goals no matter what anyone says. Although you have endured hardships, you're very strong and will achieve anything you put your mind to.
DeleteThank you Briana,
DeleteI try to positive all the time no matter the circumstances! I hope to achieve more than what I already have!
You will, Deisy! Especially with that mindset! :)
DeleteHey Deisy! I always like reading your responses because you seem like a strong, determined person. After reading your story I admire your hard work and your desire to pay back to your parents! Also, like Brianna said, you have such a positive mindset.
DeleteMy great grandfather (Kareem) came to America from Lebanon. He passed through Ellis Island with his second wife (Alice) and first son. His first wife died in childbirth and it was typical to marry the sister of the first wife. Once they got to Ellis Island they had to pass a series of tests. He even changed our last name from Yousef to Joseph to sound more American. They ended up settling in Wheeling, West Virginia where they had five more children and opened their own business. It was a type of convenience store for the coal miners. In their culture all children were expected to work hard and be successful. All the boys from my great grandfather become doctors except my grandfather. His name was Joseph Joseph (a tradition to name the son with the same first and last name) and he got accepted to dental school, but decided he would rather open his own business. He started an insurance business in Wheeling and married a women named Mary Lou. They had three children, one of them being my dad. My grandfather passed away from a heart attack when my dad was just 16. My grandma ended up being the first female in West Virginia to own and operate her own Insurance agency. My dad worked in order to put himself through college and grad school. My dad's med residency is what brought him to California where he met my mom. My mom's side came to Bakersfield from Oklahoma because of the dust bowl. I am thankful for my family, where I come from, and all the sacrifices made. They have shown me all things are possible if you work hard.
ReplyDeleteHi Blair,
DeleteI really appreciate the detail in your immigration story, and how you know so much about your heritage. I think it's so important to know your own history, and not let those stories become lost over the generations. I also think it's very neat that your grandmother was the first female in West Virginia to open up her own insurance agency! Thank you for sharing.
That is a really great story, I love the history of your family.
DeleteBlair,
Deletewhat a amazing story! It's great that you are aware of your family's background, it is always good to know where your family came from and all the struggles they had to endure.
Such an amazing story! I agree, yes everything is possible if you work hard for what you want in life.
DeleteSadly, I am not really sure about a lot of the timing in regards to when my family came to America, but both of my parents have told me stories throughout my life about how we came to be here. My family on both sides have been here in America for five or six generations.
ReplyDeleteMy mother's family came here from Ireland. I believe they were forced to leave because of the Irish Potato Famine in the mid 1800's. My relatives made their way to California in a covered wagon and opened up the first merchant store in Poway, California (near where I grew up in San Diego County). We also opened up a Pony Express (postal service), where my great, great grandmother worked, delivering mail by horse. Most of my mom's family still live in the San Diego area.
My father's family came here mostly from Scotland and Ireland around the same time. My father's family is Catholic, and during this time, the Irish Catholic community was under harsh scrutiny and forced to give up basic human rights such as voting and owning land. Therefore, they were forced to leave and come to America. I believe some came in through Canada, and that's how my dad's family ended up in Michigan. Most of my dad's family still live in Michigan and surrounding areas.
My dad was a bit of a hippie in the 70's (ok, more than a bit...), and he hitchhiked from Michigan to Texas, and then Texas to California. He and my mom met in the 80's and both still live in San Diego today! I am thankful to know where I came from, and how hard my relatives worked to create a good life for us today. Our country is made up of immigrants, and that diversity is what gives America strength, and makes it so great.
To me, it seems that you know more than what you think about your family. I love San Diego. It is a beautiful place to live or visit. In downtown, somewhere by the Mission, they sell hand made flour tortillas, omg those are bomb!
DeleteHi Marisol,
DeleteI guess I do know some about my family, I just always hope to keep the stories alive and be able to pass them down to future generations so our history isn't lost. I wish I knew more! I agree about San Diego as well, it was such a fun place to grow up and I think I know of the place you're talking about. Those are AMAZING tortillas!
Since I don't have an immigration story of my own, I'm going to share a story of a coworker of mine. I work at a restaurant owned by Arabic individuals and they're very accepting of immigrants working there. A few months ago, a quiet young man started working with us. He didn't know very much English, but he worked very hard. He started to pick up English quickly so we all started to talk to him. He told us he was from Yemen and was 19 years old. Him and his family traveled all the way from Yemen to the US on a boat. They were fleeing their country because of the war that erupted and destroyed their village. He said his parents and siblings left first and he was the last to travel here by himself. They moved to Porterville because one of their family members own a gas station here. He started school and works full time to help support his family. After meeting him, it opened my eyes to how much I take for granted. I can walk outside my house without their being a war and I don't have to be split up from my family. I've learned to appreciate these things more and I'm happy that my coworker and his family feel safe now.
ReplyDeleteI've found that most of the people I've met who have immigrated from other countries are very hard workers. I think it has something to do with the deep sense of appreciation they feel to just be in the US, and it is something that many other people take for granted.
DeleteIt's always a reality check when you have a conversation with an individual that is an immigrant and has a background story like this one. I can comfortably say that us Americans as a whole take a lot of stuff for granted and most of our basic things we have are a huge luxury in a different region in the world. It is so heart warming to hear stories like this because it will inspire others one day to work hard for what they want.
DeleteI do not have any problem answering the question and I have pondered this question myself. My dad was born here but his parents immigrated from the Philippine Islands. During World War 2 the United States Army enlisted men from Philippines and the two countries were allies. During his time, he served as a translator and long story short he gained citizenship through his service. He decided to land here, in beautiful California, and start his family. My grandfather married a young lady from the Phillipines and that would be my amazing grandmother. RIP. My father was born here in the U.S. but my mom was an immigrant. She immigrated from the Philippines during the early 80’s with her mom, dad, and 10 siblings. Since then she has gained her citizenship, degree, and has been working here in California since.
ReplyDeleteI often wonder “why” my parents and grandparents decided to come to this state. I even wonder why would they come to this country and leave the beauty of their homeland. I guess the answer to that would probably be due to the amount of opportunity available here in the U.S. They left their beautiful beaches and tropical weather to work and sustain a family. They probably saw more opportunity here and was in search of a different way of living. They were in search of better living conditions and were highly motived to work and have a different way of life here. I don’t blame them for deciding to come here but I wonder how it would be to experience what they had to.
Wow that is a good question to ask, since the homeland you describe sounds very beautiful. Maybe they were in search for more opportunities, since the U.S has many different types of opportunities.
DeleteThank Emily and I agree. I think the reason most people migrate is in search of more opportunities.
DeleteMy dads side of the family came over from Europe two generations ago particularly Poland. They began their lives in New York where much of the siblings stayed and others moved to Los Angeles. My dad was then raised in Los Angeles where he met my mom whom is also Polish. My mom came 25 years ago to New York to make money as a registered nurse of Poland. She moved to California where she met my dad and still lives till this day. Due to my mom being from Poland I was able to get dual citizenship with the United States and Poland. My moms family still lives in Poland as she is the only to venture out of Europe. After about 20 years of living here on a green card my mom applied for citizenship and now has dual citizenship also. My dad is the only with United States citizenship. Overall my mom came here to make money to take back home, and my dads family came to better their lives. To me it is possible to get citizenship as long as you actually are devoted and want it.
ReplyDeleteJoshua,
DeleteYou wrote a great story, because you briefly explained the time period, in which your family arrived to the United States. You gave a clear description of your family arriving to the United States, by starting from the earliest possible generation. In my case, my uncle first arrived to Oregon in the 1970s/1980s, and my parents originally arrived to the United States in 1994. I really enjoyed your post, because you also described how your parents met each other, and you listed your family’s citizenship statuses. I also remembered that I asked you a question about Poland, in the first week of this course. Compared to you, only a few of my family members moved to the United States, and they arrived much later. The final reason why I liked your post is, because you came up with a truth, that anyone can gain citizenship, as long as he or she is devoted, committed, and desiring for it. Overall, your post is clear and concise, even though the discussion question may look long. I wish you the best of luck.
Roshaan S.
I was blessed with having the luxury of being born here in the Unites States, but both my parents were both born in Mexico and immigrated here when they were just in grade school. (roughly 32 years ago) My mother was about 12 years old when she immigrated here illegally from Mexico. My father was maybe about 14. My mother is from a place called El Tríunfo, Michoacan and my father is from El Capulín, Michoacan. My father came with my grandparents and his 5 siblings, and my mother came with just my grandpa and 2 of their four siblings. My grandpa made sure my mother got here safe and went back to Mexico to cross the rest of his family over. My mother was able to finish school here and get her high school diploma. My father was not able to do so as he had to work in the fields to provide and help out with his family. Both of my parents worked in the grape fields most of my childhood, and they did everything possible to make sure I had everything I needed. My father was only able to do one year of school so thats what pushes me to do good in school. He gave me this amazing opportunity to go to college and get an education and everything I do, I do for them. I just want to make my parents proud for everything they have done for me. My father always tells me that "No matter what you are in life, be the best at it."
ReplyDeleteHi Christian,
DeleteWhen our parents give us these amazing opportunities to better ourselves, it's often for our future, but we also want to make them proud. We want them to feel like their sacrifices were worth it.
...so many stories!
ReplyDeleteHopefully, as you write, you are struck by a desire to gather even more family stories.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, my family is from the United States. All of my grandparents were born in Los Angeles California. My Great-great grandparents on my mother's side are from San Diego California and my great-great grandparents on my dad's side are from down south. Although I do not know much about my ancestors or when they came to the United States, I appreciate having the luxury of being from the United States. I greatly appreciate immigrants, their culture and everything they have to offer which ultimately makes the U.S. a unique and diverse place.
ReplyDeleteIts great to know where you come from as it will follow you throughout your life. Often times we all have the same cultural values of our ancestors in which it is great to pass through future generations. Immigrants are what our country is made of.
DeleteI was fortunate enough to have been born in the United States. This country is my home and it is all I know. I am the first-born generation of immigrants. My father is from Yuriria, Guanajuato and came to this country when he was in his teen years (around 1983). He often tells me he only had a little way to go to finish his high school education in Mexico, but decided on immigrating to the US for a better life. He has been here for about 34 years. I do not know if he was legal when he immigrated or became legal in the country, but he was legal short after he arrived here. Being legal here grants you many opportunities for better jobs. My dad is an industrial maintenance mechanic for a company and has tried to better himself for this country. He used to attend English classes that were taught here in our local city. He passed those classes that they offered here and I am very proud of him. It must be very difficult to go back to school when you have children, a full-time job, house payments, car payments, etc. He has recently been trying to obtain his citizenship but has not done so due to other responsibilities.
ReplyDeleteMy mom was born in Penjamillo, Michoacán. I know my mother crossed the border illegally, but I do not know if it was my dad or her brother who helped her. Like my dad, she came to the United States for a better life. They got married here in 1995 and had me in 1996. She has been here for approximately 28 years. She filed for her residency in the year 2000 and recently received it this past summer of 2016. Soon after she received her residency, she went straight to visit my grandma and grandpa – her mom and dad, whom she had not seen in about 20 years. It was a great feeling knowing that she was finally able to visit them after such a long time.
My parents have always told me that my education is the most important thing and that I should always strive to do great because they do not want me struggling like they did. They took me to work in the fields for the summer when I was 16 and I hated it. I value my education. Since I am the first-born, I was the first to finish high school, and I am the first to be attending a university to receive my Bachelor’s degree.
Your parents must be so proud of you getting your education. I know that has always been one of the most important things to my mom about raising her children here.
DeleteHi Kimberly,
DeleteYes, they are proud. They constantly remind me to continue my education and to not give up. I do it to have a better future, but I also do it to validate all theit struggles and everything they had to give up in order to come here.
My family and I have been in this country for almost 13 years. We came to the United States from China in 2004 after my grandmother (who lived in the U.S.) persistently urged my dad to come over here because there were much more opportunities for my young parents in the U.S. than in China. I had been bitter about moving to the U.S. for a period of time because I missed everything about China – my friends, the food, the culture. However, now I am glad we moved here because my parents would not have been able to afford the cost of living in China because they would not have been able to sustain a good stable income. On top of that, they also would have struggled providing money for my education because school in China is unbelievably expensive starting from kindergarten. When we initially arrived in the U.S., we lived with our relatives. My parents worked diligently every day and eventually, after a few years, my parents were able to afford a house of their own and two cars and eventually provided a car for me as well. We are not booming rich, but compared to our situation in China, we are living much more comfortably. I am thankful for my parents’ hard work and I aspire to be as diligent as they are.
ReplyDeleteHi Yang, it must be very hard to move away from your hometown, but I'm glad that you and your family are able to live more comfortably now.
DeleteGreat story, the United States has so many opportunities! Much of society takes this for granted. People need to be thankful for what we have as you are in your situation. Coming from somewhere different and seeing your life change for the better is awesome.
DeleteHi Yang,
DeleteI have lived here all my life and I often think how difficult it would be moving around but I cannot even imagine moving away to a whole other country. I imagine it must have been hard at first. It's great to hear you and your family are doing better than in China. Many come here for better opportunities and I'm glad you guys found them :)
Both of my parents immigrated from different countries – my dad from El Salvador and my mom from Brazil. They both came to the U.S. when they were young, about thirty years ago. I don’t know much about my dad’s story, but I know my mom followed her older sister, who already lived in Los Angeles. She lived there shortly, then moved to San Jose for work. She was a nanny for a successful family for about 8 years. During that time, she met my dad, got married, and had my older brother. When she became pregnant with me, they moved to the central valley (near Fresno) to be closer to my dad’s family. She told me she moved here from Brazil so she could have more opportunities and a better life, not that her life in there was terrible. It wasn’t her intent to settle down so soon. She wanted to go to school and possibly continue her modeling career, but it just wasn’t in the cards for her. She’s told me she is happy with her life here, and she has experienced more than she ever could in her home country. And though it wasn’t at the forefront of her mind initially, her moving here gave her children a better life too.
ReplyDeleteGreat story, often as immigrants they start out with little and end with a lot. To be able to come into the United States and give your family a better life is the best feeling a parent could have.
DeleteWhat an amazing story! That's awesome how both of your parents came from different countries!
DeleteI feel lucky to have been born in the United States. Through the majority of my life I never really identified myself with a specific race but as a person first. Recently I have been curious to know where I came from and where my family had originated. No one in my family really knew that much about our lineage so I decided to use ancestry and find more about who I was and where I came from. My more dominant side comes from my fathers side of the family. I have found that my family had traveled to the United States from England in the 1800's and from Germany as far back as the 1600's. It was very interesting to find out my family's history because I was able to unlock more of myself in knowing who I was.
ReplyDeleteI agree Karissa, I also feel very lucky to have been born in the United States.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBoth my parents came to the U.S. from Mexico and have been here for 20 years. My grandparents came from Mexico first, then they insisted to have my parents come to the U.S. My dad was born in Michoacan ,Mexico and so was my mom. When my dad came to the U.S. he found a part time job and managed to build his way up. From moving to different places with my mom and raising us children wasn't so easy for them. They struggled so much in their early life to be where they are today. Without both my parents I wouldn't be where I am today. I'm so blessed to have the parents I have because they have showed me what hard work truly means and I couldn't be any happier. They didn't get the opportunity to attend school or college so one of the main reasons i'm in a university is because of them and i'm blessed and thankful.
ReplyDeleteImmigrating into the United States such as your situation is tough. It takes a lot of work and time but like you said your at a University and I'm sure our parents couldn't be more proud. Great story!
DeleteSame situation with my parents, they did not have the resources to attend college. Me attending is a big deal, getting a degree is not only for us but also for our parents. All the hard work they did for their children did not go unnoticed.
DeleteI have lived in the United States all I like, but I do often travel out of here from time to time. The only piece of history I know about my family when it comes to immigration is my grandfather on my mom's side. As far as I know, he was part of the US Army back in World War II, where he fought in the Battle of Guam in 1944. He, of course, is from Guam, so fighting for both his motherland and his country was something he was willing to risk his life for. He then settled with my grandmother in Philadelphia, and eventually at some point they went to California. I don't really know about his education nor have I really dived into that, but he retired tending to a farm by himself. The home my mother took me to visit him in still is around to this day, but my parents sold it when he eventually died to natural causes. As far as my heritage, my mom has also told me that we are part Filipino, and there are plenty of filipino persons I've known. Mentioned before, my mom was in constant contact with the Phillipines when it came to getting nurses from the program. I've talked with a couple of them, and while the language barrier is still rather distant between the two, I always was a little interested in the culture. Nevertheless, both Guam and the Phillipines I don't exactly identify with too much, as it was the United States culture I grew up in.
ReplyDeleteSince I was adopted my adoptive parents grew up in the U.S. I grew up in the Marshall Islands, but I had gotten my United States citizenship when I was very young because of my parents. I have lived here in the U.S. for a little over seven years now. I moved here because of some unfortunate circumstances that occurred with my family out in the islands. We all ended up here because this is where my mom grew up and she had the larger family so we had more family here. I have dual citizenship. I'm a Marshallese citizen and a U.S. citizen so the transition to moving here was not a hard process in regards to legal stuff, but emotionally it was hard to move from the islands. I do not really know how my mother's family ended up in this country. I just knew she had grown up here and so had my grandma.
ReplyDeleteHi Angela. Do you think that this assignment will make you interested in finding out how your mother's family ended up in the United States? Do you think you will eventually go back to the islands or are you finding your way here and would rather stay, if you don't mind my questions?
DeleteThis is a story that I was told by my dad, I'm not sure too accurate it is or if I even have all of the information correct.
ReplyDeleteMy great grandma was an immigrant from Italy. She came just like all other immigrants, to obtain a better life. She had my great uncle and grandpa. At the time (and I'm not sure if this is true or not), there was something that relatives did in Italy if your sibling couldn't conceive. My great aunt was unable to conceive so my great grandma ended up giving up my grandpa (her son) to my great aunt. From what I was told, my grandpa was in a sense adopted and ended up taking on my great aunt's marriage name which is my last name, "Kurtz". So I have a German last name that was passed down through my grandpa and father, but I am not an ounce of German. I am unsure where my grandpa was born but it was in the states somewhere. Since his generation, we have all resided in the states. My dad was born in Delano and I was born in Visalia. I will be the second person in my family on my dad's side to obtain a college degree as well as on my mom's side.
I don't have a cool story about my mom's side. At one point in time, our ancestors were all immigrants. All I know about my mom's side is they were from England but I am unsure how many generations have lived in America.
Hi Devon,
DeleteWhat an interesting story! I had no idea that that was a kind of tradition at one point in time. I can definitely see that being true because the Italians have such strong family bonds traditionally. Thanks so much for sharing.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be one of the most emotional blog that I will write. My family lineage comes from a very poor and uneducated background. As things, have pass, many things have changed.
ReplyDeleteIt was the day for a young boy to leave his family from an outskirt from the poor country of the Philippines, his name is Lloyd, perhaps he was ready to embark on a new journey on his life. He was about 18 years old when he was drafted by the U.S Marine Core, to help fight for the war. He was scared of his life, yet he put his life in the line to change the future of his family. He left his love ones to invest on his family's future. Luckily this young brave man survives the war, he was shot few times and nearly took his life. After his time with the U.S Marine Core, He decided to petition his parents to come to U.S. After some few years of the parents being here in United States, they decided to petition their other children. One of them is Frank, which is my grandfather.
Frank is a very hardworking man, with little to no education, all he knew was farm life. He joined the farming town in Delano Ca. He devoted most of life to grape vineyard. This hard and rigorous job provided food and shelter for his family back home, in Philippines. After he has been here for few years, he misses his family, he petitioned three of his kids, which is three of my Uncles. My mom and my grandmother was left behind back home. By this time my grandfather is about 70 years old. He wanted my mom to get be here, it was nearly 10 years before my mom’s paper was processed. By that time, I was already 13 years old.
It was a very and sad moment when we got here. 25 minutes right after we landed, my hard-working grandfather passed away. I couldn't even say thank you for all his hard work that he has given to provide a good future to his kids and his grand kids. How I wish I could've hugged him before he rested. How I wish I could've told him how much I love him. There is not a day that I don't think about you grandpa, thank you so much for what you have done for us. You have dedicated yourself to provide means for your family, and for your grand-kids future.
I am now 23 years old, it has been 10 years since I lost my grandpa, who changed my poor past to a very bright future. If I can take this moment to thank Lloyd my great uncle and Frank my grandpa, thank you so much for everything. With all the sacrifice that you guys have done, I will make sure to finish my education and be the first one in our family to go and finish college.
Being an immigrant was very hard. As a kid, I was mucked and made fun of. My thick accent didn't help; my way of clothing didn't help. I was called "FOB," Fresh of the Boat, I have cried and didn't want to go back to school because of this bullies. I didn't want to go out, didn't want to go play outside. But this are the challenges that I have encountered in my assimilation, I have been using this as a positive thing in my life. To prove this bullies that an "immigrant" can make the difference in the country and we can be successful.
You are a exemplary representation of why your grandfather worked so hard to bring you and your family to America.
DeleteWhen my family came they were called names, too, like "Guinea", "W.O.P." (with out papers), etc. What is ironic is they are born from immigrants at some point in their lineage. I am glad that you didn't allow the bullies to keep you down and you persevered and overcame being bullied, John.
My father had a heavy accent just like you. He came here with my grandparents when he was 8 years old, and he went to grade school they would make fun of his heavy Italian accent, and my nona would tell me the story of when he would come home from school. "Oh, your father when he come home would cry and cry because they make fun," nona would say. She finished by telling me, "your father, he read books out loud by himself in his bedroom for many hours so that he would lose the accent and be more like America." Funny thing is that we are all "America", and our different cultures and stories of coming here is what contributes to the fabric and foundation of the United States of America.
You will be successful, John. Matter of fact you are a living success, and with each challenge conquered your successes will continue to add up.
John this was a very emotional post and thank you for sharing. I can sympathize and understand how you feel being bullied. My wife is first generation Filipino American and experienced similar bullying in school, for things like the what her mom packed her for lunch. She told me even attending a school with a large amount of students from the Philippines she was called "too white", or not Filipino enough. I know your grandfather is proud of you for persevering and going to college.
DeleteHi John,
DeleteWow, your post was so touching. I am sure your grandpa knew you were grateful - don't sweat it. Furthering your education already shows signs of your success! :)
Wow this was very touching to me as well, as I can relate to you of being an immigrant and struggling with an accent and bullies. I am proud though, that despite the struggles you have seen the positive and continued achieving your dreams and goals. Wish you the best of luck and always keep your head up.
DeleteThere's not much to say about my mother's side as I know very little about my mother's family history other than they immigrated from Germany sometime in the late 1940's. My family on my father's mother's side immigrated to the United States in the 1840's from Ireland. Some of the details are a bit unclear because I had to read through memoirs and writings my grandmother kept of family history she thought were important. I know that they settled in Missouri. I don't know much about my grandfather's side as he didn't talk about his past very much, if at all. I do know he was raised in Missouri as well. Both of my grandparents grew up on farms. My grandmother's sister was the first person in her family to go to college in the 1940's. My father was the first person to attend college in my immediate family in the early 1970's. I know from reading my grandmothers notes that times were tough and money was scarce. Hard work was daily and there were often little rewards. My grandparents moved to Northern California in the 1940's seeking better employment and that's where I was raised as well. I know my family has been in the United States for a long time but I have no real connection of any kind to any sort of culture or tradition that played a big part in my upbringing.
ReplyDeleteI do not the full story of why my parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico but I know bits of their story. My dad immigrated over to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico when he was 19 years old. The reason for him immigrating over to The U.S was because his mom was over here and he wanted to find a job and work. My grandma immigrated over to the United States when my dad was a very young boy leaving him behind with his Aunt, the only thing I know about her immigrating over to the U.S was so she could work and send money back to Mexico. Back to my dad he had no intention of actually staying in the U.S, his plan was to see his mom (he did) earn some money and go back to Mexico but that all changed when he met my mom. My mom is from Jalisco, Mexico, the only thing I know about her immigrating to the U.S is that she came with her sister, she was 18 at the time. My parents met a year or two after they both immigrated over to the U.S and have been together ever since, they have now been living in this country for almost 30 years. There is more to these stories but like I said I do not know much other than the basics.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read this question I didn’t know how to answer it as I didn’t know much about my heritage. After talking with my parents I gathered little information. I found out that one of my great-great grandmother’s was born in England. I don’t know when she came to the US but I do know she lived in Oklahoma and that is where my grandfather was born. I had to call my grandmother to find out about my father’s side, and boy did she know about our lineage. My great-great-great-great- grandfather was from Ohio and moved to Sacramento in 1849 during the gold rush in a wagon train. Apparently he was an important “mover and shaker” and did very well during the gold rush. My family stayed in Sacramento and then my great-great-grandmother married a Sherriff. They moved here to Bakersfield and had 10 children. My great-grandmother then became one of the first trustees, along with her brother, of General Shafter Elementary School. This is pretty awesome considering my father, uncles, aunt, cousins, sister and I all attended this elementary school. My grandmother also taught at this school for many years. On the other side of my grandmother’s family, my great great-grandfather was from Russia. He moved to Kansas in 1891. They came to California in 1919. My great-grandfather and great-grandmother were married in 1937 and my grandmother was born in 1939. It was really amazing listening to my grandmother tell me about my heritage and where my family came from. It makes me feel proud knowing my family worked hard to get to where we are today.
ReplyDeleteI think it is so great that you are able to find out so much about your family history. My grandfather from my dads side was adopted so that is as much as we know.
DeleteMy family’s story of getting to The United States of America started with both my parents arriving from Guerro, Mexico back in the 70’s. My Dad arrived in America at 19 years of age. His older brother had come to America the year before and he followed a year after. My mother arrived to America in the 70’s as well. My mom arrived in America at 18 years old. They met and got married years later. They started their family as my Dad worked in construction and my Mom worked at a commercial factory. They had three children including myself. They lived in Bell Gardens, Los Angeles and then moved to Whittier, Los Angeles when I was an infant. We moved to Bakersfield when I was in the fourth grade. It was here that I was raised and now expected to graduate this spring. I will be the first to graduate from a University in my family so that’s a great milestone to accomplish and I hope to do a lot more in the coming years.
ReplyDeleteHi Daniel, that is a great accomplishment to be the first in your family to graduate from a University. Imagine how happy your parents will be when you graduate this spring, and know their hard work and sacrifice helped to provide you with opportunities to graduate University and pursue your own career and family.
DeleteHow long have you, or your family, been in this country? What circumstances brought you here.
ReplyDeleteI was born here in Bakersfield, but both my parents are from the city San Luis Rio Colorado (northwestern corner of the state of Sonora, Mexico). My dad had a green card and would cross several times to the U.S. when he was young, but eventually my parents moved to Los Angeles. There, my mother (age 16) was pregnant with my older brother in 1978. I don't know much about my family history because my parents never really explained it to me, but I know they weren't settled in the U.S. Sometimes they'd go to Mexico and live there for a while and sometimes they would come back to the U.S. I know that by the time I was born, they were settled here in Bakersfield and have lived here ever since. Not a lot of information but that's all I really know because it's a very back-and-forth story.
Azucenna, I think it's cool that at least know the outline of where your parents came from and their story of coming here to the U.S. Also, were you glad that by the time you were born, your parents had settled down the last time? Or would you have liked to be apart of the journey?
DeleteMy mother who is 45 now, migrated to the U.S at the age of 12. Her parents and siblings migrated to McFarland from Michoacán, Mexico. They later moved to Wasco, California where they lived for many years. Eventually my mother moved to Buttonwillow after marrying my father. My father was born in Brownsville, Texas where he lived up until 5. His parent, my grandparents, both migrated from Matehula, Mexico. Somehow they ended up in buttonwillow. At the age of 24 my mother became pregnant with me, and I have lived in buttonwillow for the past 21 years. All of my grandparents are still living in the U.S as well as all of my parents siblings, they are all doing extremely well.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this week's prompt, I was ultimately lost. I hardly know anything about when my family immigrated here. I really wish I had a great story about how my family ended up in Bakersfield. Unfortunately, I am unable to find out where it all began. My mother’s side is Portuguese and Choctaw Indian descent and my father is of Mexican descent. My family never really talked about where we came from but I wish they did. If they did talk about it then I feel like I would know more about my different cultures. I know most immigrants came to America for better opportunities and/or safety and I feel proud to be a part of a nation that promised so much to people that needed it. Even though I don’t know when my family immigrated here, I know we all were all immigrants at one time. With everything that is happening in the media and politics, it saddens me to see the world being torn apart family by family. America has and will always be a place of opportunity for many people. Whatever the circumstances may be that brought people here; it has formed America into one giant mixing pot filled with different cultures and beliefs. This country would not be where it is today without immigrants, so that is why I wish I knew more about my ancestors migration here. Whenever I do get in contact with my family, I am going to figure out the story and always remember it so I am able to tell my children one day.
ReplyDeleteMy parents both left Mexico at an early age. My mom was 16 am my dad was 21. Both traveling with their families separately the eventually met each other in Los Angeles. Being the first generation to make it to the United states they begin to make the American dream come true for them. My father only got to the second grade before dropping out of school. He then worked on the farm with my grandfather. My mother attended school until the eighth grade. Her mother passed away in a terrible car accident. Which made her drop out of school as well. Once my parents met they fell in love instantly. My mother and my father have been hard workers since before I can remember. I grew up in LA. My dad still talks about the LA riots
ReplyDeleteAnd tells us that's one of the main reasons we had to move to the central coast. I have three brothers two older and one younger than me. My parents have provided everything they could for us.I am truly grateful for all the hard my parents have been through to support us as a family. My mother is now a us citizen as well as my father. Although they didn't finish high school they are responsible individuals. I am the first person within the family to receive my associate's degree. They are extremely proud of me. They have been there for me and loved me unconditionally and for that I truely blessed.
I believe my relatives came to America from Northern Europe around six generations ago. Sadly, Im not entirely too sure when the year was exactly, maybe I will have to do some research on ancestry.com! My mother's side of the family ended up residing in Oklahoma, where they were then forced to come to Stockton, California during the dust bowl. My grandparents mother and father were farm workers and made their living picking on whatever was in season at the time. My grandparents on my mother's side have been living in Stockton their entire life.
ReplyDeleteMy father's side of the family has lived in Texas for many generations. My relatives have multiple family ranches there and have been making a living with oil money they have received from the land they own. My father's parents came to California around 1945 when my grandpa received an offer to be a pastor at a local christian church in Stockton, and they have lived in the house down the street from the church since then. My grandam still has hundreds of acres in Texas and we visit periodically for family reunions. I love learning about where my family came from and why, and this has sparked me to learn more!
I believe my parents have been in this country for about forty years. My mother left Jalisco, Mexico and my father left Michoacan, Mexico. My mom crossed the border at age thirteen and my father crossed it at fifteen. They met in Wasco, California. Both were pushed over here in search for a better future. Before they met they were both working in agriculture, and from then on have always worked very hard to obtain what they now own. I remember my mother telling me her and one of my aunts rented a small room, behind the main house, that the renter used as an upholstery office. She slept under his sewing machine, on the bare floor, and only had a poncho to cover herself. My father lived in a one room apartment with five others. After they met they rented a one room apartment of their own, and my mother became pregnant with me and three years later with my sister. When she became pregnant again they realized it was time to move, so they purchased a four bedroom home. From there on my father became a citizen and attended college to become a welder. My mother is now a supervisor for a company of roses.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing journey for both you mom and dad!! To leave their homeland, and come to a new country at a fairly young age and through hard work and perseverance attain their version of the American Dream is very inspiring.
DeleteIndeed Scott, they are both my role models. I am proud to have them as parents:)
DeleteMy mom is a first generation being born in the United States; her family came from Mexico roughly five years before she was born. Her mother and father were from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. I believe that my grandma and some aunts came first and shortly after were followed by my grandpa. The oldest four children were born in Mexico, while the rest of my aunts and uncles were born in the United States. As for my dad's side of the family, they are from Texas and as far as I know they've been there for years and years. My great-grandfather was in the military which I believe was the reason for him moving his family to California. I wish I knew more details as to my father's side of the family because I think it's an important piece of family history to pass along.
ReplyDeleteBeing African American my ancestors were stolen from their homes and brought here on boats. My family has been in the U.S. ever since. My mother is black my father is belizean. He was born in the U.S.. I can't trace my ancestry back very far. I know that my family has continued to make something out of nothing since receiving their freedom. God, family and education has always been at the forefront ad that's as much as I know about my family.
ReplyDeleteMy dads’ great grandparents were actually from Italy. It wasn’t until 1935 that they moved to Mexico during a revolution. This question has actually made me want to know more about my family; but unfortunately, my grandfather passed away and I can’t ask him. As for my moms’ side, they have always lived in Mexico, they also passed so I can’t ask them. My dad couldn’t finish high school because he had to work to help support the family. He actually never had a stable home or a stable school because they would work in Mexico and then come over here to work. It wasn’t till he was older that he decided to move permanently over here. My mother almost finished high school, but didn’t to follow my dad. My parents both moved here when they were young to find a better living over here. They worked hard in the fields to provide for my brother and I. My mom was able to go back to school to get her GED. They no longer work in the fields, but they have always supported us in everything. Both my brother and I have received our AA from Bakersfield College, but I will be the first to receive my Bachelors. It’s not easy starting a new school and not knowing how everything works, but that isn’t going to stop me from achieving my dream. I am grateful for everything my parents do for both my brother and I. Life hasn’t been easy, but we have managed to make it through.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your story, both my parents did not finish high school. In fact they barely finished elementary school because they had to work at a young age as well. It amazes me how much parents do for their children, and how much they may struggle to give us the best they can. My mother still works in the fields. It has not been easy but similar to you, I am working towards my goal, to hopefully give them back at least a portion of what they have given me. Great story Bianca and never give up on your dreams.
DeleteIn my case, nobody in my family arrived to the United States before the 1970s. My uncle moved from Asia to Portland, Oregon (in the 1970s or 1980s) to do his Master’s degree in structural/civil engineering, because the United States contained a lot of job opportunities, educational opportunities, and safety (I am not telling which country he came from). Both of my parents officially moved to the United States from Toronto, Canada in 1994, when I was a year old. They knew that the United States contained a lot of comfort, security, job opportunities, and educational opportunities. Some of my relatives arrived to this country in the 1980s, and they arrived to the United States for the same reasons I listed. My dad started work in New York, and then started moving to states like Illinois, Wisconsin, and finally California. He decided to live in California, because California contained high-paid jobs, economic opportunities, and warm weather. Other places were pretty cold for him, so he decided to move to a warmer location. I would also like to share the fact that, another one of my uncles settled in Portland, Oregon in the 2000s, for his job as well. All of my family members settled in this country, for the same kinds of reasons, I listed in my other discussion posts. I would also like to share my citizenship statuses of my family: my mom is a U.S. citizen, my dad is a permanent resident with Asian citizenship (I am not going to tell from which country), and I am a permanent resident with Canadian citizenship. I learned that the United States is a great country, regarding the following information: heritage, hard work, commitment, justice, health facilities, education facilities, weather, and job opportunities.
ReplyDeleteHumanity reminds me of a bright never ending rainbow. We all come from different shades of life. Each and every one of us has a unique story that molds us to who we are today and that is part of what makes life so beautiful and rich. All of these stories are lovely and feed my soul with motivation, humility, love, strength, inspiration and wisdom.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I do not know the details to my family's immigration story, but I know a few rusty facts. My parents met in Morelia, Michoacan located in Mexico, at the age of 22. They were neighbors and got along well. My mother quit school at the age of 10 to work and provide for her six younger siblings. My father had a deep love for education, so he was fortunate enough to continue school because he had older siblings that worked and provided for their family. My father and mother's siblings all got along and became great friends. Everyone seemed connected, like a big group of friends. My maternal grandpa had connections and was able to safely bring my mom and aunt to Filmore, California, where my grandpa had a little house for them to live in while they worked. Later, my grandpa contacted a man who migrated people from Mexico to the U.S.. He asked him if he could migrate my father and a few uncles. My mother waited for my father, but unfortunately the man who was supposed to help him migrate never showed up. My father was stranded and did not know what to do, so to avoid further conflicts, he decided to head back to him home in Mexico. Eventually he was able to migrate to the U.S.. Not sure how or when, but he and my mother reunited and created a family of five.
Thank you all for sharing such beautiful and intimate stories.
P.s. I know this is not related to the blog entry, but I would like to leave this in case anyone needs it- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK(8255)...you are enough.
Nelly,
DeleteI love hearing stories from people who were born or have family from Mexico because the history of the Mexican culture is so infatuating, I just love hearing people's stories. Because everyone likes to talk about slavery and things like that forgetting that California used to be Spain. All of our cultures histories have amazing stories.
From what I have learned about my parents upbringings and their parents upbringings. My mothers mom was Indian, her father was African. My father's mom was African-American and his dad was as well. My great-grandparents and other family members all came from Africa and was shipped over to the south during slavery. Mostly, all of my family is from Alabama,Texas, and Louisiana. I have Indian kinfolk as well. My mother and dad both met in Los Angeles while my dad served as a Marine. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. My family is always telling me about how things were back in the day, and how we have it easy now. Things were way worse during slavery, and even the 80s when the crack epidemic occurred. We should be very happy to be living in a time like this. Specifically in America. I'm thankful to be able to have kinfolk from different places. When I graduate I'm gonna travel to Africa and visit my actual ancestors homeland. I want to learn more about my family history. It's an honor to be an black man. And to have Indian in me as well. We also have white relatives as well due to slavery times. My elderly kinfolk has been in America since the early 1900s. My grandparents since the 1940-1950s, and my parents since the 60s-70s. At the end of the day we are all related in some way because being brought up in a religious home, we are all family and should all love and respect each other. It's too much jealousy and rage going on. We need to come together and stop the racism and discrimination for all minorities. Life is too short. I love all ethnicities and treat everyone the same because we are all "human" in the end. We all die, we all eat, we all sleep, we all work. There is so significant other. I'm blessed to be in this country, and will teach my kids when I do have kids that it's okay to love and respect others that aren't the same color as you.
ReplyDeleteWhile I know a good amount of my maternal family history I unfortunately have not had the privilege of finding out just where our family migrated from. I do know that my maternal grandfather is from Oklahoma and migrated to California during the dust bowl days. His family lived in a camp near Lakeside school referred to as "lake bottom" for many years. And my grandmother came to California from Missouri with her family for work sometime after the dust bowl as well. My grandmother has some Native American in her and she even has many physical traits that show in her face and hair. I believe she has said before that she is from a Cherokee bloodline. I do know that I come from a long line of hard workers and strong minded women.
ReplyDeleteMy husband, on the other hand, is a first generation American. He is the first of his family to be born in the United States. His mother immigrated to the US when she was about 5 months pregnant with him. She has shared her story with our family and I found it very interesting. After escaping and abusive husband, she sat out on a journey on her own, pregnant, and with a 2 year old toddler to the US from Mexico. She had a sister in the United States who encouraged her to come and provided her with a place to live and helped her with her growing family. She said once she got close to the border she walked across-at that time it was not as guarded as it is currently- and met her sister on the other side. Her sister brought her home to Dinuba, California where she had my husband shortly after. My husband is not only the first born American in his family, he is the first to enter into the military, and the first college graduate. My children are fortunate enough to look to a father whom has become successful utilizing the opportunities afforded to him by this country and know that their abuela abled went through a lot to insure her son had such opportunities.