El Salvador is small and beautiful and is surrounded by 5 volcanos which are visible in the horizon in many places around the country. My mom tells me it was much too dangerous to live during the civil war that took place. That’s why she left.
She hitch-hiked through El Salvador, crossed the border and took the train through Mexico. She snuck through the United States border into Los Angeles, and when she was not able to get a job, her brother picked her up and drove to Detroit to apply to come to Canada.
I admire the quality of independence in my mother. I feel as though I imitate her when it comes to doing the things I want to do in life.
My mother still continued to adapt to new situations, and eventually she worked on stabilizing her own life. She got a job, she brought over her kids from El Salvador, and eventually my family all came together to bring my grandma too. My 3 siblings and I are just a part of the first generation being born in Canada. I have many Aunts and Uncles, who also emigrated from our shared home country, producing my very own cousins here. I’m fortunate that most of my family live in the same city as I do. We’ve all worked together to come close and be there for each other.
I think that there is a correlation between dependence and independence. My dream is not only to succeed for myself but also for my family and to honor the memory of their country. I know I can do that when I am surrounded by people I know and love.