“Nada es impossible si lo quieres” (Nothing’s impossible if you want it), my parents would preach to me as I grew up. As a child, I never put much mind to the statement, often rolling my eyes to the cheesy line they recited. Sure, I’ve been told countless times by teachers, friends, coaches, etc. that you could do whatever your heart desired if you put in enough motivation. Only now does the statement hold such weight and importance to me, as it comes from my parents who immigrated to the United States against all odds.
Although migrating from different South American countries, the desire was the same -- The American Dream. The glorification of the United States had spoken to them as they were ever so determined to come. My father who already had friends in the United States spoke highly about the grand feeling of being American. It was the possibility of becoming part of the country of opportunity, wealth and of course, freedom. Everyone wanted to be a part of such a country, just knowing someone who lived in the United States was a privilege. With nothing but hope and a small bag, my father left to Azogues Ecuador and would migrate to New York.
Similarly, my mother had fallen in love with America through pictures of what was considered the promised land. She came across images in textbooks, glamorizing the skyscrapers and flashing lights in Times Square, Manhattan. It seemed as if New York was the ultimate beacon of hope to a new life much different from hers in La Paz, Bolivia. Her love for the unknown country would only grow through the study of a new language, English. As she learned to write in english, she began sending letters to her cousin studying in the United States, which further influenced her to move. It was time to make America her home.
Bravely and boldly, my parents ignored every reason against coming. They would later tell me the conversations that took place before their departure.
“You don’t know English.”
“I’ll learn.”
“You don't know anyone.”
“I’ll meet people.”
“They won’t accept you.”
“I’ll make it home.”
Despite the odds, they went and created America as their new home. Of course, it took time to learn English, to meet new people, and to feel as if they actually belonged. My parents overcame the grand challenge of moving miles away from their home country to a completely different world. If they can turn their life completely upside down, I can conquer any obstacles with enough desire to do so. My parents are fearless as they’ve taught me to be.
I am proud to be the daughter of immigrant parents as I know first-hand nothing is impossible.
