My mom came to the United States from Panama when she was in her twenties in 2001. It wasn't her first time, but it was definitely the time when she decided to stay in the U.S. My mom didn't want to go back to Panama because she wanted a change in her life. Her cousin and uncle lived here in the United States. My mom came here not knowing a thing about the United States or NY. But because of her cousin, she started to understand the ways in NY. She started learning street names, transits, etc. She met my dad, but later on, my dad left for a friend's funeral but never came back because he fell in love with another woman who is now my stepmom. My mom was hurt when she found out that my dad left. But because of his leaving, she became stronger. A couple of months later, I was born, and it was a struggle for my mom because she didn't have enough money to raise me and buy me food. She sold a gold bracelet to buy me food. My mom lived with her uncle in the basement when I was a few months old because at that time she didn't have a home. Later on, her uncle found an apartment in uptown Manhattan where we still live. Because of family and experience, she became the extraordinary woman she is now.

– Yixielis De Obaldia

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant