Author Archives: Jonathan Guillen

A Perilous Journey, Hard Work, and a Better Life (México)

I was determined that I would make a better life for my family, even if I had to risk my life. I come from a large, hard working family. By Mexican standards we were comfortable, but that comfort came with the price of constant hard work. We lived under the rule of a corrupt president, who took more and more ... Read More »

Never Too Old for the American Dream (México)

“The main key to being successful as an immigrant is saving up as much money as you can and that will be the most useful thing in your life as an immigrant.” My parents made sure that that idea was stuck in my head since I was young. I grew up on a farm. My father Cirilo and my mother ... Read More »

Bright Future (México)

It was a struggle getting to the U.S. but it was worth it. I had a decent childhood, I was born in México, Apatzingán, Michoacán in 1984. My mom’s name was Maria  but we called her Lola and my dad’s name was Cristobal. I was the youngest in my family of 5 brothers and 6 sisters, so most of the ... Read More »

From a Small Town to Bustling City (Tanzania)

My name is Sylivia, I was born in Bukoba, Tanzania on April 14, 1979. The early days in my hometown Bukoba are still in my fond memories. I grew up with my younger sisters under our loving parents. My father was a businessman, and my mother was a house mom. Our parents worked hard and afforded a decent life for ... Read More »

From Third to First (Colombia)

My name is Robert and I was just a teenager when I left. In my jean shorts, white tank top, and sandals I was young. 19 years old, alone, and full of dreams when I decided to come to the United States. I knew there was more opportunity for me here than the island in Colombia that I came from. ... Read More »

Unsung Hero: Judge Dennis Cantrell II (Tennessee)

This is my grandfather Judge Dennis Cantrell II. I was born on June 3rd, 1919 in Gainesville Georgia. I was born into a family of 9 and poverty. Not long after I was born, my family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, the things I saw were different than what I had saw in Georgia, or at least what I had remembered. ... Read More »

The Experience That Changed My Life (El Salvador)

My life was so difficult in my country, I was really poor and didnt have alot of money which made me be more humble. The love that I had for my family made me decide to travel to the U.S. When I was in El Salvador, my life was really different than now. I had 11 siblings, 8 brothers, and ... Read More »

Pursuing the American Dream (México)

We saw cars stopping outside. We heard footsteps coming to the door. “Someones outside” I said “Es la migra!” we all yelled “Run!” another person said I was too late and the border patrol had got me. I, José Sonora(name changed), was born on March 8, 1979 in Coneto de Comonfort. I grew up in a pueblo, a town in ... Read More »

Gricelda’s Journey (México)

  “It’s time for me to leave, ” I told my mom with a broken heart.  She replied, “Is there anyway to get you to stay?” “I must do this for my daughter and you, in the long run it will benefit everyone” “Mija yo te puedo ayudar con la niña, y no te preocupes por mi. I can help ... Read More »

When One Door Closes (México)

In La Huerta, Jalisco, a baby girl was born to a mother. Her name was Lily (name changed), after her mother’s favorite flower. That girl is me. I lived on a beautiful ranch, Plazola. I am the oldest of my family so it had only been me and my 2 sisters Maria and Alejandra. Our ranch was small but it ... Read More »