Watching my parents work so hard to provide us with the most they could. Unfortunately we did not have a lot like others. My parents didn’t make enough income to provide us with our wants, but we were just thankful that my parents were able to provide us with a home, food and clothing. For school I remember being bullied because I wore a lot of hand me downs and not being vocal or tough. Also, we did not have transportation for school so I would walk and get to school sweaty. Yes, we struggled but our parents taught us the best moral which was to finish school and keep thriving no matter what obstacles came my way. In our community we don’t have a lot of resources that really helped the Hispanic community because we are unheard.I remember this scholarship opportunity called “Pops”, which pretty much was a program that helped you get ready for the real world and they helped you get a job in your preferred field. I applied and was selected for a interview.Turns out they had already chosen the candidates for the scholarship and just gave me a interview to just make it seem like they interviewed me. I later found out that they chose people who were friends or relatives of City of Pahokee and the Hispanic population was very small so it really made me feel that I was not part of the community. Depicted all odds, I was able to go to college and work in my community who really didn’t do anything physically to befit me, but my community did made me mentally stronger.
Upbringing: Upbringing, yes, but also a choice
My move to Pahokee, FL
When my husband decided that our family would move to his hometown of Pahokee, FL. I knew it would be a significant change moving from a metropolitan city, 1,000,000+ to a small city of about 6,000 people. My husbands return home was two fold. He wanted to be close to his family-mother, father, brothers and sister but also wanted to help his community by becoming the Mayor, which meant for him using all that he had learned and experienced, bringing it back home to Pahokee. He was adamant about returning home from the day we met in 1993 at Alabama State University. This was instilled in him from his graduation speech in 1992 at Pahokee High School. What he took away from that speech was that the speaker encouraged them to go out and gain knowledge and experience but don’t forget about returning home to help. From 1992, he kept this in his heart and vowed to return home to help his city.
The Family Way
Great support system, everyone treats each other like family.
Living in the Glades
Graduating from high school and keeping contact with everyone.
Helping earth other out
I grew up with my grandparents they was very old so they didn’t have much control of my brothers and I. We grew up not having much we had to work with what we got.
Humble Servant
Bring able to come back and give back to the community. Doing stuff for those who gave to me as a kid.
Rose out of concrete
Living around violence-but finding the good out of every situation. Great support system.
Haiti Family
I grew up projects in belle glade the neighborhood was very nice. They will help out anytime if you need it, friends will help the best way they can. And what I love most about belle glade is they would cook food for anyone that is starving. My part of town in belle glade was very helpful its like having a family.
Support (Story #611)
Support in the glades, sorority
LOVE (Story #632)
GROWING UP WAS EVERYTHING I HAD THE NICEST HELPFUL PARENTS THEY GAVE AND HELP ME