Mexican American History, Fall 2011

Narratives Essays
Students were prompted to write a narrative that was either autobiographical, based on a family member, or a person that was close to them. 

They were asked to explain how the selected person or persons’ experience affected their sense of identity. 

The narratives are listed below by Topic, Abstract, and Key Words. 

Take a moment to scan through this webpage, then just use buttons to open a PDF file of selected narrative.
Narrative 1:
Topic: I almost lost my Mexican culture.

Abstract: Growing up without a father almost made me lose my background culture. Trying to find out who I was and where I fit in was hard. My dad was always so proud of his background culture but when he passed away I lost who I was. Hanging out with different people made me change who I was and losing my Mexican heritage.

Key Words: Single parent, Mexican, death, acculturation, Mexican-American
Narrative 2:
Topic: Immigrated for a better life

Abstract: My father being self-motivated with a hard working background, strict father and low economy immigrated to the United States. He immigrated to the United States to accomplish his goals and have a better life. He reached his goals by working hard and gave us his family, a good economical position, teaching us the importance of accomplishing our goals and succeeding.

Key Words: Immigration, hard working, goals, family and success
Narrative 3: 
Topic: The experiences I’ve encountered in my life have shaped me into who I am today.

Abstract: My mother died when I was a little girl, I grew up with an unattached father who didn’t know how to give affection, which lead to a feeling of emptiness and loneliness.  Luckily my God parents showed me love and gave me the values and morals I have today. Now I have kids and am fulfilling my dreams of getting an education and preparing myself for owning my own business.

Key Words:  Parents, love, godparents, self esteem, kids, strength, dreams
Narrative 4:
Topics: Momma’s Boy

Abstract: A young woman born and raised in Oaxaca, one of the poorest states of Mexico. After, a rough and neglected childhood she gets married and migrates to the U.S. In search for better future for her family and herself, little did she know it would be a new beginning full of obstacles! Her first child is born,            which is an enormous joy for her, but sadly he can’t hear. Like every obstacle thrown at her she’s able to surpass it. Present day she’s not the same woman that came from Oaxaca. She’s the reason I thrive for success!

Key Words: Immigration, Oaxaca, Lifestyle, Work, Family, Obstacles, Strong, Citizenship  
Narrative 5:
Topic:             Mother’s journey in the U.S before and after marriage.

Abstract:             My mother was raised in a poor class family, she dropped out of  middle school to help out her family. At the age of sixteen she decided to come to the U.S to make a better living. She married my father that she meet while working in the fields and had three children. She found her self raising three kids on her own and playing two roles at the same time. More importantly, my mother worked hard to provide food and shelter for my siblings.

Key Words:             Working conditions, Education, Value, Communication, Sacrifices.
Narrative 6:
Topic: My Father’s enlistment and life in the military during the Vietnam era.

Abstract: My father was born in small town Texas. His father relocated them to the Los Angeles area so they could have more opportunities available to them.
My father made the choice to enlist in the army rather than run the risk of being drafted. He chose to do this so he could better determine his role in the army. He quickly rose through the ranks due to circumstance; and dealt with the death of his older brother in Vietnam. 

Key words: Army, relocation, drill instructor, mechanic, helicopter, handshake, father, Grandfather, Texas, Los Angeles
Narrative 7:
Topic: My mother’s life lessons, sacrifices, and her gifts in return.

Abstract: After having to grow up earlier then what she expected due to the fact of what happened to her as a young girl, she came to learn that not everything in life is a negative thing. She looked at life whole another way. She sacrificed a lot and many times received no gratitude in return but she continued to live her life in her native country, Mexico and later on to make it to “El Norte” as they would say.

Key Words: family, childhood, immigrating to the United States, strength, tragedy.
Narrative 8:
Topic: Being in a Mexican tradition family.

Abstract: The values of traditional Mexican families are such that the well being of everyone comes first above anything else. Always had to do what was told because no wasn’t an exception. Working hard to support you family and only spending money on your whole extended family needs

Key words: Mexican, family, work, money education, traditions, economic
Narrative 9:
No Narrative 9
Narrative 10:
Topic:  Against All Odds

Abstract: This is the story of my grandfather, a noble and respected man, who sought little but concentrated on the welfare of his family.  My grandfather was a WWII veteran who served two tours as a GI and a Military Police Officer (MP).  He gained respect, even among his enemies.  Though of Mexican descent, he identified himself as an American patriot, leaving behind a legacy for his grandchildren to follow. 
Narrative 11:
Topic: My grandmother’s challenges and hardships and emigrating to the United                                                 Stated from El Salvador have

Abstract: This is the story of my grandmother who came to the United States illegally from                                     El Salvador to make a better life for herself, her husband, and her children. Although she passed away at the age of 79, she taught me many life lessons. If it wasn’t for my grandmother’s strength and perseverance, I wouldn’t have the life I do today here in the United States.

Key Words: El Salvador, Immigration, Challenges, Hardships and Journeys,                                  Strength, Life Lessons Grandmother
Narrative 12:
Topic:  Immigrant parents searching for a better life for their families.


Abstract: After both parents grew up in different classes of society, they ended up coming across the same trials and tribulations. Both saw life as something to strive and work hard for. They taught their children that education is extremely important, and to never give up on your dreams and goals in life. In the end they achieved their own meaning of “the American dream”, for they never gave up on their dreams and goals.

Key Words: dreams, education, family, hard work, and immigration.                                                     
Narrative 13:
Topic: My Parent’s Story

Abstract: My parents were high school sweet hearts who fell in love at just sixteen years old. They did absolutely everything together; however, my dad dropped out of high school due to family problems. He joined the Peace Corps and was stationed in South America. My mom waited for his return, and when he came home, they got married. Unfortunately, as most good things come to an end, they filed for divorce when I was four years old, and it was finalized by the time I was six years old.

Key Words: my parents, dad, mom, love, familial relationships, brother, work ethic, jobs, money issues, divorce
Narrative 14:
Topic: My mother who influenced my life in becoming a stronger and happy person who now sees life in many obstacles that we as people just have to get threw and not give up.

Abstract: My mother, even though she was raised in Mexico and had many hardships for example; she loses her parents at a young age. She can stand strong today and not only be a happy person but make others around her happy also. I look up to her and all her qualities.

Key Words: Family, Mother, father, Hollister, Raised in Mexico, English, primary, grandparents, wealthiest, children, divorced, strong, obstacles, chances, loving, qualities, traits.
Narrative 15:
Topic: My Family’s Immigration

Abstract: My family’s migration story goes back to Europe, were my great great grandpa migrated to Mexico, in hopes for a better life. After somewhat settling in he met my great great grandpa in a rather interesting way, being chased by an angry mob. Once my dad was  born, as a young man he decided to try luck in USA since there was little work, and pay in Mexico and as grandpa became sick they were in need of money. His first job was in Monrovia, he was well paid. Once he moved back to Mexico he met my mom, they got married and formed a family. now with two kids my dad was in need of money to be able to feed them, and so my dad decide he was going to leave his small children and wife, to go to USA for a job and better life. Once he was settled in he decided to bring his family over to USA and start a new life. After living in Watsonville my family and I moved to Hollister, so my dad and uncles could start their own business. Since the new business didn’t work out, we moved into town, and after the economy hit us, we had to sell our house and move out. As of now we live in a better and bigger house, and we are happy were we are and how we got here.

Key Words: Migrated, Mexico, Family, USA, Europe, Home, Better life.    
Narrative 16:
Topic: My Mother’s story of how she came to live in the United States.

Abstract: My mother was born in Mexico City in 1954. She grew up in a strict Catholic Convent in the heart of the city and was trained to be a perfectionist. My mother came from a wealthy family; my grandfather was a very successful entrepreneur. My mother’s family betrayed my grandfather and no other choice but to move to the United States. My mother suffered much hardship as being shunned as different even among other Hispanics. My mother strived to become something greater and honed her skills in athletics and academics.

Key Words: Family, Successful, Shock, betrayal, determined.
Narrative 17:
No 17 
Narrative 18:
 
Topic: Mexican immigrant and their American dream.

Abstract: This is a story that had a lot of hard work put into. By losing a father at a young age and having a mother left to support the whole family. Bringing a stepfather into children’s life is not always easy but possible. He worked hard to help out as the head of the family but later on he died. By losing him affected the family but they never gave up, remembering their roots and were they came from, they continued “the American Dream.”

Key words: Immigration, American Dream, family, work hard.
Narrative 19:
Topic: What makes me a “Chicana”?

Abstract: Growing up poor and in a dysfunctional family made me who I am today. I am proud of where I came from, I may not be proud of the life my parents taught me, but I am proud to say I made a change in the cycle for the better. The trials and tribulations I faced make me a stronger person and mother today.

Key Words: Chicana, dysfunctional family, education, secrets, teen mom, drug addiction, the struggle, and the ghetto.
Narrative 20:
Topic: My mother’s life and life accomplishments

Abstract: Throughout my mother’s life, she has overcome many obstacles and dedicated her life to me and my siblings. My mother looked for guidance and strength from God in heaven. My mother showed great faith, courage and patience in us allowing us to see that we can accomplish anything and everything in life.

Key Words: Life, Religion, Dreams, Challenges, Goals, Faith
Narrative 21:
Topic: The small things that make me who I am.

Abstract: My parents met in the U.S. for the first time. Falling in love and starting a family together. Moving to the U.S. from Mexico my parents had to go through hardship and how that somehow affected who I am today. I come from a family of seven children and being the middle child from a big family, I was never alone. My identity was and still is being shaped and reshaped by my family, beliefs, the things I love to do and my memories.

Key Words:  Family, Childhood, Upbringing, morals, Memories, Love, Life hardships
Narrative 22:
Topic: My two sided culture

Abstract: I am a Mexican born and raised in the United States. I consider myself a Mexican American who practices traditions and customs from both countries. My parents are Mexicans born in Mexico that immigrated to the United States. They helped pass on the Mexican culture that I am part of. As I got older I stopped practicing some of the Mexican tradition. I changed religions from Catholicism to Christianity. My Spanish is no longer as fluent as it use to be and I sometimes don’t feel accepted as a Mexican in the place where both my grandparents and parents were born.

Key Words: Mexican American life, parents immigrated, change in religion, culture, change in fluency with Spanish over the years.
Narrative 23:
Topic: How video games changed my life

Abstract: Finder deeper meaning in something simple such as a video game in order to be happy and bond with family members as a child. Expanding from that experience and turning it into, not just a hobby, but a passion in order to meet new friends, travel the nation, and become a part of a community.

Key Words: Cousin, Video Games, Community, Passion
Narrative 24:
Topic: The Journy of a mother looking for a better future

Abstract: My Mother is from Celaya Guanajuato, Mexico born and raised. She grew up having a rough life, having to work at a young age. Migrating from Mexico at the age of 19, at the same time trying to be a mom, coming to the United States not knowing any english, and having to work right away. All my mother wanted is to find a better future she did not know all the obstacles she would face, but thanks to all those obstacles they have made her who she is today in life, a great person and mom.

Keywords: Struggles, responsibilities, family, jobs
Narrative 25:
Topic: My parents struggles, life, and my success.

Abstract: I’m a Mexican-American, who’s parents Immigrated to the United States from Mexico. They had a hard time trying to adapt to the life in the United States when they got here. They only new how to speak Spanish and couldn’t communicate much. My parents worked in the fields to provide my brother and sisters with food and shelter. They have done such a great job raising us here and continue to be support in every way. The best way to thank them for all they have done is by graduating from college and doing something productive with my life.

Key Words: Mexican-American, Education, Grandparents, Parents, Tradition, Immigrating to the U.S., English and Spanish, Parents, Religion, Struggles, Success.
Narrative 26:
Topic: Proud of where I am now

Abstract: Growing up in a bad neighborhood as a little girl effected the family. Family is very traditional. Mom would stay home while dad would go and work. Struggles as a young Mexican was hard. Leaned not to go through life, but to grow through life.

Key Words: Mexican, struggles, death, Chicanos, acculturation, education, Mexican doing hard labor, gangs.
Narrative 27:
Topic: The Only Brother to Stay

Abstract: My grandfather worked very hard for what he has accomplished. He served over 30 years in the U.S. Army thanks to his determination in everything he did. My grandfather took advantage of the education and career opportunities provided. He set a good example for his children in his way of life. I am who I am today thanks to the sacrifices my grandfather made for himself and his family.

Key Words: Successful Career, Hard Work, Determination, Good Work Ethic, Sacrifice, Education, Family, Impoverishment, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Military Life, U.S. Army
Narrative 28:
Topic: Life changing experience after traveling to Peru

Abstract: When I was a sophomore in high school, I had a life changing experience on my first trip out of the country to Peru, South America. During this trip I saw amazing beaches, beautiful scenery, Machu Piccu, green hills, as well as the heart breaking poverty that was present. After traveling to Peru, it made me realize how fortunate I was to have simple things in my life such as a toilet and a sink to brush my teeth in. This experience has affected me by never taking things for granted because it could always be worse.

Key words: Peru, Poverty, Traveling outside the country, Identity crisis, and life changing.
Narrative 29:
Topic: The journey of an immigrant

Abstract: I was ignorant once, not fully understanding how lucky I was to have certain privileges until I met her. An individual who accepted the changes that was pushed upon her when her life was turned upside down as she slowly made her way across the border into a foreign land. She like many others want only one thing: to find acceptance in this country.

Key Words: Privilege, Education, Life and Acceptance    
Narrative 30:
Topic: My parent’s motivation to come to the Unites States.

Abstract: My parents had me here in America; after I was born we went back to Mexico and after some years my brother was born over there. Things got harder as there was no jobs and very little money to provide for a family of three. All those struggles made my parents come back to America and find a better future. And so it happened, with all their hard work and commitment of achieving their goal. They owned their own land and home and lost it due to the economy fallout. All their hard earned money went down the drain and they were devastated. And now as I am a lot older it is my duty to pay them back and help them gain all that they have lost.

Key Words: Immigrant, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Opportunity, Struggle, Respect, Thankful
Narrative 31
Topic: What I Faced Throughout My Life

Abstract: Born in California as a Mexican American and belonging to different social status. Going from a happy family to facing a battle with my father’s alcoholism, we lost respect and social status. We had to start from scratch after many years of hard work.

Key Words: Ethnicity, family, discrimination, nationality, education, social status, work, language, alcoholism, respect, opportunities, success.
Narrative 32
Topic: My Father
 Abstract: My father is an extremely dedicated man. He was dedicated to achieving a better life for himself by moving into the United States at the age of twenty-one. He's a hard worker who understand the level of dedication to a job required to raise a family here in the States. While my father has worked hard his entire life, sometimes in dangerous environments, I know his love for his family is what drives him to strive to work harder.

 Key Words: My father, Mexico, Grandfather, “la Migra”, proud of Mexican heritage, hard work, family,deportation.
Narrative 33
Topic : A lot of people struggle in life for being able to have a good life and a better life such as reasons for education , economic problems , or even safety.

Abstract : My father was able to come to the U.S. to accomplish his American dream. He came here and helped establish my families’ desire and need for a better place, through hard work and motivation. They were able to move forward in life and grow as individuals. It also shows how family will stick together regardless the circumstances and grow more united. Discrimitiation was not allowed to break through his hard working family and at the end their American dream was successfully accomplished.

Key Words: Journey, dreams, Mexico, Economy, Zacatecas, United States, Community ,education, agriculture, hardworking, legal, future, landscaping , U.S.Citizen, Mexican American , border patrol, unequal, mistreat, discrimination,family.
Narrative 34
Topic: Working Hard to Achieve the American Dream

Abstract: As a child my father always taught me how to work hard for what I’ve wanted. Through hard work and dedication my father was able to give me and my family a better life. Hard work is the main point of this essay. With the help of God and the sense of unity and discipline he installs in me I’ve been able to accomplish many things I would have never even imagined I could. Through hard work and dedication we achieve the American Dream.
Narrative 35
Topic: My father’s life and the circumstances that led my family to migrate into California

Abstract: I was born in México but have lived in Gilroy most of my life. In Mexico, my parents went from rags to riches through hard work.  When their business was no longer providing money, they fell into debt. My father had to make the tough choice of leaving us behind and migrating into California.  A year later we followed after him. Now we have been living here for over twenty years.

Key Words: poverty, wealth, childhood, Mexico, California, family, childhood, alcoholism, school, work, future, debt, migrating.
Narrative 36
Topic: My voyage through life

Abstract: My father worked long hours and dedicated his life to the field for us to eat, and eventually reach the “American Dream”. He was a partner of Cesar Chavez, fighting for a better future for all of us. In the journey, my family got separated, torn apart. All of this was to bring the family together? A big part of my life as well as my sister’s has been taken from us. While being treated like we really did not belong.

Key Words: Separation of my family, left behind, intruder, USA. Cesar Chavez.