Believing That You Can
kids: Diana, Jesus, Lucia, and me, Sheila. I was only one
month old when my father decided to come to the United
States. He told my mother that he would only be in the US
for four months, and then he would return to us. However,
the date approached, and he did not return to Mexico. My
mother, being a single parent, had to leave us in Mexico
with our grandmother for more than seven years. She
struggled to come to this country, to give us a better life.
My mother worked for over 12 years in the field and
continues to do so. She never says, “No” to heavy or hard
work. I am very proud to have a brave and responsible
mother. During the time she was working, she was saving
money to bring our family back together.
I still remember when I arrived; my mother worked in a
nursery. She had to change the plants from a small
container to a larger one. I remember telling her, “This is so
boring,” and she answered, “This is what I have done for 8
years to bring you here.” It was then that I said, “I am
going to study for a degree, so you won’t have to work so
hard.” When I was 13 years old I decided that I wanted to
meet my father. My mother allowed me to realize this great
desire that I had. She did everything that she could for me
so that I could meet my father. When I was 15 years old, I
met him. I am very proud of my mother for being a single
mother who never gave up. She fought for us to have better
lives. Thank you, Mom, for giving us a better life!
Sheila Martinez is a student at The Family Service Center.
My Mom’s Sacrifice
There are many people in my life who have influenced
the way I am now. I got influences from movies and books,
too. However, my mother is the one who has influenced me
the most because my mother showed me and led me how to
live and which way I should turn. I admire my mother.
Therefore, I am going to tell you a story about how my
mom became a great mentor to me.
When I was a middle school student, my mom was
delivering yogurt. Also, she sold yogurt on the street. In