My Grandfather Guadalajara was born on December 8th, 1932. He is my mother’s father. He lived in a small town in Guanajuato, Mexico. My grandfather’s parents expected my grandfather to work at age 10. My grandfather did not have the privilege to attend school. My grandfather could not attend school because of his environment and circumstances. He had 6 children with his wife. My grandmother passed away when my mother was born because she got breast cancer. My grandfather had to raise 6 children by himself. My mother and aunt were sent to live with grandfather’s sister. My grandfather crossed the border with his five children and left my mom behind in Mexico. My mother was expected to cook and clean at age 7. My mother’s aunt believed that a woman has no place to go to school. My mother was a very good school and was very sad that her aunt no longer wanted her to attend High School. My grandfather helped my mother cross the border when she was pregnant with my brother. My grandfather raised me and took care of me and my siblings. He constantly reminds us of his struggles and the importance of hard work. My grandfather passed away on December 8th, 2009 due to lung cancer. He inspired my mom to take the citizenship test to become a legal citizen. My grandfather is the reason why education is important in our family because he never had the privilege to attend school. My grandfather though all his hard work and dedication he always had faith in a better tomorrow. He sacrificed everything for his family that is why he is really important to my family and me. 

– Stephany Ruiz

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant