Why my Ecuadorian parents have made me who I am today
They have taught me more than any textbook has
I remember the day when I had to get on an airplane to come to the United States back in 2009. I had to leave my country, Ecuador, behind and my family that I grew up with. My mom couldn’t come with us, but since she wanted a better future for my brothers and me, she asked my father to petition for us as his children.
I have fallen in love with Florida and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but without my family’s sacrifice I wouldn’t have learned the greatest lessons that guide me in my day-by-day.
Education comes first
Back in middle school, I didn’t want to go to school because I missed my mom, but one day she spoke to me in the phone and said: “I want you to learn. The greatest gift you could give me when I finally come home to your father, brothers and you is to hear you speak English. Do it for me and for yourself.”
No matter the circumstances, my family has taught me that education is a privilege that not many third world countries have and I should never take it for granted.
Family is important
Family will always be there for you. I grew up in a big family household and the bonds created with my grandma, aunts and cousins could never be replaced; they will always call you on unexpected times to make sure you are doing fine. My family listens to my endless whines, frustrations and dreams — never doubting me.
Love yourself
My mom has always shown me that life is not about pleasing others but living life the way you want it. I have grown to love myself because I come from a line of women with big hips/legs which often made me the target of bullying when I was young. However, my mom taught me to love and to accept myself.
Be selfless
When we help others in need in our country when we visit, we don’t expect anything in return because we simply enjoy helping others. We do that because we have been in the shoes of people in need: we have passed through hunger and hard times. We appreciate finding those true friends and family that support you in those difficult moments.
Always have faith in God
My faith was tested when I wasn’t with my mom for two years and had to take care of my father and brothers, and my dad went through that for 12 years. Then miracle finally happened and my mom was permitted to enter the United States as a resident. We all went to church as family and thanked God on our knees for finally bringing her home. Ever since then, my family’s faith strengthened and it hasn’t wavered.
Be proud of where you came from
I am proud to say I am Ecuadorian. I am proud to have a family that sacrificed so much for mine and my brothers’ futures. My parents are the source of my hard work as a student and as a human being; there are no excuses to fail but to make them proud of their efforts in making me who I am today. By making myself proud of my accomplishments, I can make them proud. My heritage as a Hispanic is that of hard working people that sacrifice so much for a better life and future for them and their children.
Be true to yourself and others
My dad always told me that if your friends don’t accept you for who you are, then they are not your friends. I am honest to my family and to my friends about myself as a person, daughter, sister and friend. I am the friend that is weird for being deep into books and movies but is loyal to the bone for anyone in my life.