“By far, the happiest moment in my life was when I moved to Mexico and met my grandparents for the first time. I had just turned ten years old, but I was already beginning a brand new chapter in my life. A new culture stood upon me. New food, new people, new perspectives—it was overwhelmingly beautiful. All this fear that was bottled up inside of me was irrelevant to me now. I instantly fell in love with this brand new environment provided for me, so then I decided that I would enjoy this moment for as long as I possibly could.

I feel blessed to say that my grandpa and grandma taught me so much about life in general, both the good and bad. That being said, the day I met them for the first time shaped me into who I am today. I will never forget the time I spent with my grandparents. They opened my eyes to a brand new world, completely different from where I stand today, yet still so similar. People, like you and me, can find true friendships regardless of where you live. It is just the matter of opening your eyes and learning how to trust those who you love.

I definitely miss my life in Mexico, but I am grateful to be here in the United States. I have an opportunity to, again, make new friends and meet other members of my family.”