dfd (Photo courtesy TK)
Our Stories
M y story is probably very similar to many of yours in that we all have dreams and challenges. My story is about believing in yourself and our family’s strength. It begins with my mother, who was born in a small town in Jalisco, Mexico, and grew up in an even smaller town: Nayarit, called “El Capomal.” At 16, she made the long journey from Nayarit to Tijuana on her own. She stayed there for two years under the care of her tia until she obtained a visa and moved to the U.S. in the 70s. My dad had a similar story. Growing up in poverty in Michoacán and Jalisco, he also left grade school to help support his family. He worked various jobs (including training horses) before coming to the U.S. in the early 70s. His mother urged him to make that journey to create a better life for himself. My parents’ paths coalesced when they met at a party near Palomar College. My father was a gardener, and my mom was a caregiver for senior citizens. They began a family, and my sisters were born in North County in the 70s, and I in the 90s. The rule to only speak English to them continued long after my parents attained legal status through the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. It was a pivotal moment for our family, opening doors to new opportunities and providing my parents with confidence to support their children’s dreams in every way possible; no more living in the shadows. I have no doubt that this paved the way to a crucial moment in my life. When I was about five or six years old, I used to beg my dad to let me go to work with him. I would watch him meticulously care for plants, trim bonsai trees, and water the greenhouse plants. He also taught me how to drive the tractor and feed the horses. One day, I saw my dad’s boss’s son, who was dressed in a sharp suit, carrying a briefcase, and getting into a nice car. I remember asking my dad, “Why is he dressed so fancy?” My dad looked at me and said, “He’s a lawyer.”
The Power To Dream By Arcelia Magaña Attorney at Law
Arcelia Magña Employment Attorney
196
San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 6 – Perseverance
197
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator