2017 Migration Crisis Service-Learning; Munich, Germany Expectations






As the daughter of immigrants, I know the trials and tribulations that my parents and grandparents went through to provide the American Dream to my siblings and myself. My mother crossed the border illegally at the age of 17, even though times were not as hard as they are now, there were struggles to find employment, the culture shock, and she lack the confidence because of the language barrier. All that ended for her when she developed the skills that are needed for success.  My father became an American Citizen with the assistance of my grandfather who lived and worked in the United States to provide for his family back home. During that process of our upbringing, my brothers, sister, and myself were sheltered from it all till we were adults.  

During our childhood we traveled to the places where my parents call home, Chihuahua, México! We loved it! We looked forward to summer vacation to go back to the motherland. But yet, born in Los Angeles, California, we have adjusted well and have contributed to society in a positive way, but we will never forget who we are and where we all came from.

We live in a world that is ethnically/racially diverse and we should embrace it, because that's what makes the world go round. My expectations for this trip is to be exposed to a new world that I am not accustomed to. I want to learn and teach and converse with everyone I come in contact with in Munich because this will be the greatest opportunity/experience anyone could ask for. To be able to see the migration crisis and be able to help children and families because at one point my grandparents and parents were in that position.

 -Amalia

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 21, 2017 at 9:37 AM

    It's funny being a parent isn't it? How we shelter our children from certain parts of life - and how when we find things out about our own childhoods can dramatically alter our experience. Thank you for sharing your family's story.

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