From the time, I could walk and talk my parents have done nothing but pushed me to accomplish the one thing that can get me through life. The one thing that I would inherit through hard work. My parents have always told me that I would never see money or property that belonged to them after they have passed away and joined God in the heavens. They constantly remind me that my only inheritance will be my college education. That my degree would be my “machete” and that one day I would use my degree to provide for my family and be someone in the world.

Both of my parents are from El Salvador. El Salvador is a small third world country in Central America.

By the time my dad was five years old, he worked from before the rooster crowed until only the light of the stars would be his guide home. From a young age, he has provided for his family and was never able to attend school. My dad has gone through, what many can only imagine. He served in the military in El Salvador during the Civil War. He has gone through hell and back during his life, and I think that is why growing up I thought he was a cold-hearted man.

Pa, I know that being away from us was hard, and I understand that now. You have worked so hard to provide for us and make sure that we have had everything we have ever needed. I know that not being able to see us at our school plays or ceremonies was hard, because someone had to keep the business running. Thank you, for your sacrifices because I now understand it wasn’t easy, and that you did it out of love.

My mother, the woman I wish to at least become half of. She was orphaned before she was five, and worked just like my father since she was six years old. My mom received her college degree in Business before she turned 21, and did it while working a full-time job. She grew up with her grandparents and took care of her twin brother. She is the type of woman that never strayed from God, and was obedient to her grandparents and their teachings.

Ma, I know that leaving your family was hard. I know that you did it for many reasons, including me. You choose to see the positive in every situation. You saw the long journey ahead of you, but you saw that this was the way you were going to provide for your family, and make life just a bit easier.

When my parents got married, in a short couple of months my mom would find out she was pregnant. Being born in El Salvador was not what they wanted for their child, so my dad sent for my mom, and my mom buckled down and started the journey of an immigrant to the United States. They immigrated for this “American Dream”. They saw hope and a future here, and they risked it all to come to a land that would make their situation better. They knew it wasn’t going to be easy. They knew that life was not going to be fair. They knew that God would be with them.

Mom and Dad,

This is for you. Thank you. Thank you for all your sacrifices. Thank you for all your teachings. Thank you for guiding me through my first 20 years of life, because Lord knows that rising kids does not come with a manual. Thank you for every change you made to give us a better life. Thank you for giving me values, for teaching me to be humble and kind. I don’t think I express it enough, but I appreciate everything you have done. I am so inspired by your story, and I am blessed that God has giving me you for parents. I love you.

- From your daughter, Jenny.