“During our phone conversation I remember him telling me, ‘Mija, I am so proud of you. I knew you would get accepted!’ It’s moments like these when I am happy to share with my parents because I know they are not only my accomplishments, but theirs as well.”
‘Maybe it’s time to change your major.’ I couldn’t turn to my parents. I’m happy I didn’t listen to that advice.’: Daughter of Mexican immigrants becomes first generation graduate, inspired by brother’s illness
“He told me to unblock my ex’s number. At 2 a.m., he messaged me. ‘I know I’m not supposed to be talking to you, but I wanted to reach out to see how you were doing.’: Young woman’s faith helps her survive sexual assault
“I came home from school. No one was home. I went up to my room, and opened my window. ‘If I jump, who would even miss me?’ All of a sudden, I was overcome with emotions. ‘My beautiful daughter, do not do this.'”
‘We are a blended family of 10. We have 8 kids: his, ours, and everyone else’s. Not bad for the woman who couldn’t have children!’
“Within a few weeks, without ever dating him, John asked me to marry him. I told him ‘yes,’ but he had to understand I was diagnosed at age 19 with cervical and uterine cancer and informed by my doctors I would never be able to give him children.”
