The story of immigration is often a story of hard decisions. It is a story of leaving behind, in hopes of finding anew. To stay where they are or to travel to a foreign land, in search of a brighter future. To leave their homeland, culture, and their family and their friends. The choice to leave one’s homeland behind is never an easy one, as many know they will face language barriers, discrimination, and other hardships. It is never a decision easily made.
Maria Otez´s parents, like many immigration, faced said hard decision, forced to choose between staying in their hometown with the rest of their family and traveling to the United States in search of a better life. Maria and her family are originally from a poor town in Guerrero, Mexico. This town was about 2 hours away from the nearest convenience store and lacking in any high-quality education. Both of her parents had to work starting at a young age, growing up. Maria, her mother, and brother came to the United States looking for a better life, when Maria was 2. Her father already had moved to the United States by this time. It was difficult for Maria’s parents to find jobs because they were unsure with whom to leave their children. Another hardship Maria and her family, was initially not knowing English as most jobs required some English skills. This was particularly difficult for Maria, as unlike like some of her younger siblings to that her parents had later, she did not have anyone to help her with English growing up. Maria also remembers sometimes having to help her mother with job applications, as she had better English skills than her mother.
Maria’s parents currently work as janitors at a local high school. Maria is now 21 and working at a tire facility towards earning enough for a college degree. It is difficult for her to earn enough as since she is under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) it means she is not applicable for federal student aid. Although life in the United States is still difficult, both Maria and her parents are happily settled. To her parents, they miss their old home, but also enjoy their new home. To Maria, having arrived in the United States at a very young age, to a certain extent is the only home she has ever known.
