My mother and father came to the United States from Mexico. None of my parents have graduated from high school. They both dropped out in 10th grade because my mother was pregnant. Not being able to earn enough money, my parents decided they wanted to go to the United States since they have heard that there was more opportunities and jobs. They left their child behind and all their things except for a flag. A flag that will never make them forget where they came from and their belief. They were Catholic parents who want the best for their children. They came to the United States in 1993 in Brooklyn. They looked for jobs without having any experience or knowing English. They continued life as a taxi driver and a factory worker making clothing. They took turns taking care of their five children whom they have learned some English from.Not being able to live the american dream they didn't give up on hope and continued to work in jobs that they didn't like or earned a lot. Not knowing what the future held for them they worked hard. To make sure that that their children got what they needed. They made sure that none of their mistake affected their children. When they first came they tried to fit in the American society but still being reminded where they came from by that simple flag. Identity can be changed by place.Me being born in the United States and my parents in the Mexico gave me the advantage to be able to speak both Spanish and English. 

– Natalie Castelan Marque

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant