“One day, we were both at a party. He came up to me and said, ‘Do you want to dance?’ He looked so handsome. So I said, ‘Yes.’ That’s how we met. “I was 18 or 19 years old. I saw him before in the … Continue readingLove takes them from Mexico to U.S.
“When I was a little kid, my father took me to see an uncle in the hospital in Mexico. My uncle had gotten into an argument with his dad, my grandfather. It was over money he gave to a woman. I think he wanted to … Continue reading‘What’s a beautiful memory for you was a nightmare for me’
“I’m a first-generation Mexican-American. My parents migrated here when they were teens for a better life, better job opportunities. It really worked out well for them. My mom works for a veterinarian and my dad works construction, installing ceramic floor tiles, carpets, that kind of … Continue readingLooking at both sides of immigration debate
“I came to Baytown from Guanajuato, Mexico, when I was 18. I’m the oldest of 10 children, and I was the only one who came at the time. I didn’t speak English and I didn’t know anybody. But I was looking for a better life, … Continue readingStrong work ethic pays off for small business owner
Music was always welcome in the Rodriguez home. Jesus Rodriguez Sr. made sure of it. Guitars, trumpets and other instruments were lying around. And if Jesus wasn’t playing, his children would see what sounds they could coax from them. … Continue readingYoung mariachi performer is living his dream
“I was born in Mexico. First, I came to California. I went to school a little bit, and then I found a job. I cooked, working in the kitchens. I stayed there for 22 years. “Many people come here looking for work. They want a … Continue readingFishing his cure for work-related stress
“I went to school only five years in Mexico. So all of my life, I am only a worker. All of my life, I do physical work. I don’t have an option. We’re looking for money. Everyone is looking for money. I worked in California … Continue readingJob situation leads to long-distance relationship
“I grew up hearing my dad tell stories about his horseback riding and gunslinging. As a young kid, I always thought they were just tall tales. But they weren’t. “He was an orphan. By the time he was 9 years old, he was involved in … Continue readingHer father taught her many lessons about life
Ahime Ornelas was born in Mexico, but she has lived in Baytown with her family since she was about 6 years old. After her parents became U.S. citizens, they put their daughters on the path to citizenship as well. It was a long road, but … Continue readingDreamers can excel with an opportunity
“I think I was in my third year of teaching at Travis Elementary. My sister also was teaching there. We had a great partnership. I taught reading and writing, and she taught math and science. “One day we walked into a faculty meeting, and everybody … Continue readingBecoming U.S. citizen brings tears of joy