When my mother was about 13 she worked as a babysitter and housekeeper. Her father’s birthday was coming up and she wanted to get him something special. At such a young age she worked extremely hard to afford the best present for her father. She had her eye on a pricey pocket watch from a second-hand shop and saved all the money she made to earn it. On the day of his birthday, she proudly presented her gift to her father, who admired the gift The gift was much more than a watch. It was my mother’s effort and care embodied. I admire my mother’s tenacity and the effort she puts into her work. She moved to California from Mexico, seeking a better life. With only a high school diploma and no English, she worked her way up from the bottom and never gave up searching for the best. She was able to raise three children and buy her own home. when she started in the US she lived in a one-room apartment not knowing English. She faced discrimination and racism. The object, an old pocket watch that only lives in the memories of my mother, represents who we are. My family is hard workers who put their all into every little thing because that is how we have made it this far.

– Sergio Chavez

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