My grandma was the one who introduced me to the Church and has been a God fearing woman ever since I can remember. She was raised by her grandparents who were staunch Catholics. Her mother left the shores of Ghana for the states in the early stages of my grandmothers life and once she turned 17 she decided to join her for better opportunities, and an overall better future for herself. She enrolled in T.C. Williams high school in Alexandria, VA and after that she worked as a CNA before enrolling in nursing school. She took up the opportunities available to fulfill her American dream by working and going to school at the same time. Nothing came easy but through hard work, prayer, and her family sticking by her side she was able to push through. Her goal was to be able to improve her socioeconomic status as well as provide for her children while they went through college and she was also able to purchase a house which is one of the benchmarks for the average American family. She says that as she's getting close to retirement she's grateful to be able to look back and say she fully pursued her passions and lived a meaningful life. She finished by saying “Life is not a race but when the opportunity comes just grab it and with hard work you will achieve your goals."

– Amani Asare

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant