Seeing my parents without sufficient financial resources meant difficulty in attending university.
The university was not the only option. We, a household of five children, did everything possible to better ourselves. For example, better time management at the Colombo American Center in Bogotá, Colombia, helped me improve my English and graduate as an Administrative Assistant over 60 years ago, with scholarships that opened the doors to my future.
In my homeland, we never went without bread; our parents always did their best, and they taught us that we would succeed, and so we did.
Each of us knows—or should know—how to get ahead, but if you don’t, it will be your problem. This is up to all of us to better ourselves. Here we are in this beautiful country. We did it, and we succeeded. We always found great, hardworking people eager to help us.
For instance, in one of my language classes that I teach at the Morningside Library and Holy Family Catholic Church in Port St. Lucie, Florida, I found that under the title of Hispanics for History, they tell the story of someone who was born in Chihuahua, to an Irish father and Mexican mother. While still very young, he moved to the United States.
On the streets of the East Los Angeles neighborhood, he sold newspapers and shined shoes to help his family before becoming one of the most important actors in the American nation.
He made a total of 158 films, was a producer, film director, and won the Oscar award on several occasions. His name: Anthony Quinn.
One might ask what I have done for my own development or for the community if I’m just waiting for things to be given to me. Most likely, nothing. Try it. Until we understand where we are, what we do, and how we receive it. Because let’s not forget, this is not just about receiving; it’s also about giving.
Now I remember how, before getting married, my wife and I promised that by the time our children finished their studies, they would complete them in the United States. But how? Easy: believe in God and work “day and night” until we achieved what we set out to do. And we did it!
We didn’t just achieve it in our home country; we did it here as well. To celebrate my 85th birthday, we gathered in North Carolina with family, including our son and his wife who came from Colombia. Let’s remember something here: it’s not just about receiving. No. Let’s ask ourselves what we have given. It’s possible no one will ask you, but contributing is very important.
Let’s demonstrate with actions: About 22 years ago, I founded Hispanics in Action with the help of Americans and people from various neighboring countries to teach English, French, Spanish, and Italian for free, thanks to the support of citizens from those countries. How about preparing over 1,000 people to pass the United States citizenship exam for free? We did it.
Today, 804 diligent individuals passed the respective exam and are now American citizens.
Wow! What does this mean? Ask one of them, and you’ll see them with their passport and traveling abroad. So, the problem wasn’t necessarily money; no, it was complying with the country’s regulations, which in some cases, one doesn’t prepare for adequately.
In conclusion, we realize that being in this country is not the same as being in our own. One of those differences is understanding the language—at least enough for the citizenship test. But what about in businesses? Are we going to be limited or make excuses?
No. Don’t allow it.
You’ve already proven you have the capacity to succeed with your citizenship. Consult with organizations that work in the field where you want to improve. They can help you. Show them that you are capable.
There are still teachers who can help you with free classes, ready to receive you and give you the opportunity to better yourself. Remember this: a one-and-a-half-hour class each week is very little. You should study at least an hour and a half every day.
There are many people willing to help you; seek them out. Don’t just wait if you want to move forward. God will help you, but you must take the first step.
By: Nelson Merchán-Cely
Image: GrupoAs
