Nonfiction

            I just read the article "Latino Program helps immigrant families achieve their America dream" by Jacqueline Howard from CNN. This article is about a young 15 year old girl named Gaby Ortiz who emigrated from Mexico to the US. She had started off her life in Atlanta, Georgia, however her "American Dream" began as a nightmare. She didn't know how to speak English, and could not find a job. And worst of all, she was soon going to become a mother. In several years, Gaby gave birth to two kids. However, during those days she only associated herself with the Latinos and Mexicans because that's where she felt more comfortable, since she was part of that culture as well. After her son was enrolled into kindergarten in 2004, Gaby knew she had most definitely wanted to learn English to help her kids. Gaby used his schoolwork as lessons for her as well, and she also took classes. She was so determined in learning English, that she quit watching Spanish TV. Everything about her life, suddenly became 100% American. The biggest change she had made, was enrolling her and her son into LaAmistad a tutoring organization that helps families whose second language is English. Families just like her. 13 years later, at age 30 Gaby now speaks fluent English and has a job, which helps support her kids.

       This story is very touching. Not in like a sad-depressing way, but just the fact that someone can work so hard and accomplish so much. Coming into the US at only 15, and having 2 children around that age, with no job, and not speaking English at all, must he terrible. Gaby basically raised her kids alone, with no help. She achieved her dreams because she wanted too, not because she was forced too. This road that Gaby took, was very difficult. She basically started a new life. Living in a new world, dropping everything you had before, moving into a country where the language does not sound a bit familiar at all, raising 2 kids with no job, and leaving everyone behind back in Mexico, was the path she decided to take. Nothing is impossible, in fact everything is possible. And Gaby proved that. She set out on a mission and accomplished it, and right now she speaks fluent English and has a full time job, and is active at her children's school. For instance if I was in Gaby's place, and I was emigrating from my home, leaving my family behind and moving by myself to a new World whose customs and language don't sound a but familiar, would be so difficult. Basically, she came here with nothing, and look where she is now. She mad it farther, than people who were born in the US. If I was in her shoes, I don't know how I would do it. Finding a job, while having your "reputation" say you're an immigrant is very hard. But Gaby is an example of a person who tried, and never gave up until she got what she fought for: To be a part of the American culture.