It was so touching to hear from these women that they want to establish a better education into their children so they will not grow up in a low income family and struggle as they are right now. They tell their children that their education is very important and they should continue so they may be successful in their future. Although these women have been living in a one or two room apartment they still have the strength and resiliency to get through these difficult times with their families and their hardships. They mentioned that as long as they are all safe, have food on the table, shelter and clothing, it did not matter to them whether they lived in one bedroom apartment or living pay check to pay check. Of course they wish for more than they have but they said that if they had everything in the world now already what is the point in asking for more other than another day to live and share with their loved ones.
These women are hardworking and never give up, even when times are rough with the economy, they manage to care for their family have a job and even take an English class so they can learn more the language and be able to communicate and hope to be able to excel further in the near future. They came to the United States to be able to give more to their children and themselves and they appreciate that they do no live back home because times are more rough in Mexico than they are here.
Speaking to these women, was touching because, my family and my husband's family know the hardships in not speaking English as soon as you get to the States, not knowing anyone or resources that are available to you in order for us to make it in life is hard to deal with. Times are rough but in Mexico it is harder to find a job and care for your family when their is no employment in sight for individuals that have little to no education at hand. At least in the states you are able to find something that can help just a little bit more than back home. That is why everyday I am thankful for what I have and whom I share it with, we may not be the richest people in the world but we do make a difference in the world in how we cherish what we do have.
I have heard these sentiments from so many low-income immigrant clients. So many of the lowest class are grateful for basic needs, yet those at the highest class seem so focused on getting more. In my experience, the low-income families that are grateful for what they do have seem to fare better than the ones who focus on what they don't have. The longer I work with this demographic, the more I realize I have no idea what I would do in their shoes. I don't know that I could have that kind of positive attitude. I have also repeatedly heard that their focus is on a better life for their children. With the kind of class disparity in America today, I worry that even with the education their children are receiving and the nonstop effort these mothers put into their parenting, their kids may still not have the kind of life their parents dream of. But supportive parenting is priceless to a child's future. These families are doing the best they can. Hopefully they will see results in their children's generation.
ReplyDelete-Emily Decker
Very moving post Victoria. It is amazing the resilency of immigrant parents who strive to better the life for their children and families. I wish more people would respect the challenges, hard work and an immigrant's drive to get the basic needs met for their families. People forget that once upon a time, their ancestor was an immigrant who faced the similar challenges and hardships. My parents immigrated in the 70's and are hard working citizens who still get racist remarks to return back to where we came. I hope someday there will be true tolerence of all people, races, religion, etc..
ReplyDeleteWe need to hear more of the positive stories of people's resilience and hope. It is women like this that give other women strength and a sense of power in improving their lives. Thank you for posting this. Positive change and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteGreat to read such a different perspective. I know it's risky to say, but when the economy went bust my first thought was "Finally! Maybe now we'll get back to things that really matter, and a more simple, humane way of living in the world." I was criticized that I could only think that way because I was privileged enough to afford that sort of thinking, which is partly true. But at the same time, my husband filed bankruptcy, we have been waiting for the bank to take our house (could be any day now!) I have not been to the doctor or dentist in two years, and I only returned to school because I couldn't find work after looking for a year! (I feel RICH even though I'm now 100K in debt!) Of course I'm still in a better position then many, but the point is that I have been very effected by the downturn, and I still feel it's the best thing. When you talk to people who have a healthy view of life, in other words being able to appreciate what you have and not always needing excess, it reminds you of the silver lining of our economy's lessons. The real problems don't come in personal loss, but in loss of social programs for people who truly have those needs.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog because it really shows how people who are struggling still stay positive. I think that the turn of the Economy was an eye openner for those who were living beyond their means. In this case is nice to know that women are happy to have a job and know the importance of Education.
ReplyDeleteI really wish that more people saw the portion of the immigrant population in this way. They are really trying to get ahead and make a better life for their children. Unfortunately, with the way the country is right now it's not as easy as it used to be. The immigrants who came several decades ago were most successfully in getting on their feet. It scares me to think were the future generations dealing with these extreme economic stressors are going to be. My grandparents were able to make it 30 years ago with 6 kids and have a decent living. I don't think that too many families nowadays are doing as well as they were.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comment above. I wish that more people knew about immigrants like these women who are trying to make a better living for themselves. Also, it is amazing that even though we are experiencing a bad economy, people from other countries still view us as better off. It really makes you grateful for what you do have. The fact that these women are living paycheck to paycheck but are still enjoying life is very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI work at a low-income housing unit in Southern San Diego and I have heard very similar stories from single mothers or two parent immigrant families who are struggling just to survive in the current economy. I am always surprised by how optimistic and grateful that these individuals are just to have a hot meal and a roof over their head. I think that by interviewing people from this population it shows that even though the American economy is very bad right now, people are still striving for the American dream and hope to one day pass some wealth on to the next generation in order to improve their living conditions and break out of their position in a lower economic class. I found this to be the main motivation when talking to low-income families at my internship. They say that they do not mind struggling and working hard because they hope that their hard work will benefit their children and break the cycle of poverty.
ReplyDelete- Julia Kamp