Graduate of 2017
My husband and I have always had the desire to learn English, but as it usually happens in many Latino families, work and childcare kept us from studying since our kids were young. We have two boys and the oldest was hyperactive making it very difficult for us to go to school. Later, we got the chance to meet Enedina Vera, the program’s recruiter. Enedina guided us and encouraged us to take GED classes, and everything just fell into place with the classes to learn English and the GED classes with HEP. In November of 2017 we took our GED exams and in December of that same year we got our diplomas. It was so exciting to get our certificates. We also had the opportunity to participate in the HEP graduation ceremony and in the Latinx graduation, back when Mr. Rafael Vasquez oversaw the event. In that ceremony many people are invited to participate, not just students receiving their Associate's degree, but also people receiving their English as a Second Language (ESL) certificates. It was so beautiful to walk beside these young people that were close to my oldest child’s age and to see them get recognized for their accomplishments.
It is common for many people that come to this country as immigrants to work in the fields or in restaurants. My husband got to work in the field and got to work in the kitchen. When we got the invitation to apply to HEP, it had been a while since my husband had worked in the fields, so it was my father-in-law who was working in the fields then that became our link to agriculture.
In May of 2017, I took the ESL100 class. A year before that, we had started taking classes in the ESL program, but it was a bit difficult with the changes that were made back then, where several levels were combined, and we had to take these new classes. It was difficult, tiring, and stressful because we enrolled in HEP while at the same time we were taking English classes, but HEP gave us a lot of support. I remember telling my HEP teacher Vanesa, that I didn’t feel sure about taking the GED exams and she would tell me I had nothing to lose by trying. We know as immigrants that there will always be challenges, but it is helpful when there are people behind you encouraging you and that help you believe in yourself and in the “Yes you can!”
With my GED Certificate I had the opportunity to continue with my academic studies. I am now working on my general studies at Santa Rosa Junior College. Our reality is the “now” and everything “before” Covid. Before Covid my focus was, and still is, getting my certificate in Psychology. I started English at university level, ENG1A, and started taking various psychology classes and a class in Latin-American studies. Today my focus is to help the Latino community since it is the one with the most needs, has many obstacles, and the one with the least resources. Today all my goals are focused on helping our Latino community.
Unfortunately during Covid, we lost many family members in Mexico. I finished the classes I was taking but for obvious reasons, my concentration to study was not there. Other unfortunate things happened and we had to leave our house, but I did not want to be doing nothing, so I took the Landscaping class in the Adult Ed program where I learned about the science of flowers and I was able to do well and complete it. I continued to take Floristry classes because I love flowers and how to take care of them. My family is from a small town and my grandparents were used to planting and growing their own food and my grandmother used to love flowers too. Since I was the oldest grandchild, I got to see them work the land. Everything that you learn from your grandparents and your ancestors was something I wanted to follow. I am in my second semester in Floristry because the psychology ones will take more time. Nonetheless, I already have my general studies credits and what I accomplished is done! I have always wanted to have my own business, so if one does not give, then the other one will. As immigrant parents, it is good to focus on a path but you do have to have second or third options.
I see this as a positive thing because by confronting difficult obstacles, through the pain, you really learn to understand other people. You realize that there are thousands of families navigating through the same issues. My focus to learn and being able to share continues to be within me.
Right now, I work cleaning houses. In the community, I am involved in different groups including MEChA, Logrando Éxitos Académicos, and Lideres del Futuro. I am also a volunteer at Bayer Farm where I can put into practice what I learned in my classes. I even had the opportunity to have a space to plant all on my own. In Windsor sometimes I am involved in things that have to do with opportunities for students to learn English. One of the groups I am involved with is planning the first Gay Festival in Windsor. It will be the first time for this all-day event. I will oversee the Latino connection and gather information about artists and vendors in the Latino community so they can participate in this very important event. I also have had the opportunity to promote the family acceptance of children or family members from the LGBTQ community. It is very exciting to be part of such things because it helps to cultivate unity and growth within the community, acceptance of each other and respect for our differences.
I keep myself very occupied in the community, but I also try to only take what I can handle. I participate, help in what I can, and I give the best of me because it is important that our Latino community is acknowledged and that we continue working to not stay behind with every social obstacle or crisis.
My message to people is not to give up. Obstacles are many and the road is not easy, but the path is there. We need to recognize that we need to unite to help and support each other and create a line of support so when one fails, the other one is there holding you. We must remember that we come from a culture of mutual help and we must remember all the good things we were taught to continue growing together. Thank you to the HEP family and I hope they continue forward.