Graduate of 2018
I was taking English as a Second Language classes through the Santa Rosa Junior College in two different locations. First, I was in Healdsburg and then in Cloverdale, where I currently live. This is where I learned about the HEP program, which is for farmworkers and it assists them in getting the certificate faster, friendlier, more intense and with more support. At that time, I was working in the grape fields doing suckering, among other things. I was interested in improving my life little by little and this was a step that I had to take inevitably to continue advancing here in California.
People know me to be a pretty brave person, but with certain physical limitations and it was sort of taboo for me to be accepted to work in the grape fields. Since I came to stay in this country in 2016 I was told that work in the fields was well paid, but when I applies for work in those types of jobs, I was always denied because of discrimination or prejudice to my physical limitations. A lot of times people don't know what capacity one has until they see that person act. I was excited to experience work in the fields. I met a friend who is a butler/steward in a rancheria where the grapes are planted and the wine is produced. This person connected me with his supervisor who finally gave me the opportunity to work. I was very happy and ready to take advantage of the opportunity and give everything of myself. I started with simple tasks like suckering, which is to remove the excess green that grows in the grapevine, then installing wire and putting guides. That's where I was presented with the opportunity to enter this amazing program, for which I thank God for existing. I had the opportunity to meet the staff and all the teachers; they are all an amazing family.
Entering HEP was a very pleasant experience, very enriching, and you could say very fast; express. I received so much support that it took me less than half a year to complete. On top of that, when I set a goal in my mind, I do not stop until I achieve it! I started studying a lot with all the tools that HEP provides you. The program is well structured so that, if you have the will to do it, you achieve it in the shortest time possible. I entered the program in February, in May I had already finished all my exams and in June it was my graduation! When you have that desire, persistence, and perseverance, and on the other side there is that positive response and they offer you the resources, the time, and the dedication, it becomes a pleasant team effort that motivates you to finish your goals; I found that in HEP.
Obtaining my High School Equivalency Certificate gave me personal satisfaction. These certifications count a lot and serve to open more doors and opportunities. Once I had it, I was motivated to learn more English. With a lot of fear of rejection, I applied to work at McDonald's, the company that sells hamburgers. With my certificate and other requirements they asked for, they gave me the job. It was something that I saw very far away, but it came true. There you usually receive all the orders in English and it helped me to practice the language. I realized that it was only a matter of losing fear of rejection and of immersing myself in a language that was not my native language but that I already had some notion and knowledge of from the courses I was taking. I am still perfecting English. I'm a person who, if I don't understand something, I write it down. I used to carry my notebook everywhere and I would write down the things I didn't understand. I noticed that my superiors realized that I was always attentive, wanting to learn more and that I was not left with doubts. That's how I realized that it's just a matter of losing your fear and keeping up. A lot of times we don't realize our own talent until someone else says, "You have it in you, why don't you believe it? or Why don’t you just go for it?" Out of fear or not having the confidence, people tend to continue doing jobs that do not mak
e them happy.
I am currently still working for McDonald's. I also do a lot of volunteer work because I have time and the desire to share the options, opportunities, and resources that are available to the community. Since the pandemic began I embraced Corazon Healdsburg where I was helping to distribute food and do volunteer hours. I am also an active member of North Bay Jobs with Justice. Sometimes I make announcements on the radio and share the five requests that are being made by this organization. Last year there was a peaceful demonstration at SIMI, one of the big companies that produce wine. I was also able to help with La Familia Sana, an organization that was formed to offer free food to Cloverdale families. I continue to do photography and video which, professionally, is what I am most passionate about. I am also very active in two radio stations, La Más Versatile and La Reyna de los Jaripeos. It used to be a lot of work because there were up to four different events in one week. Right now I'm a little bit on pause, I've been forced to slow down a bit. So, I do what I can. It was a little push from my angels and spiritual beings who take care of me to have a little peace and spiritual nourishment, which I needed because I would say yes to everything and all the time I was on the road, driving towards events and it was all very chaotic. So right now, I dedicate more time to myself and do a lot of reading. I have done spiritual classes. Also, I am at Corazon helping as a volunteer in the preparation of free taxes for the community. When you are in chaos and overstressing yourself, you have to learn that it is preferable to take a break to heal and re-charge yourself with energy so that you can give your best.