BIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY (GLADIS' JOURNEY)
Chrizna Jane Milanes
Ms. Ha
Puente English 2, Period 6
14 October 2016
Gladis’ Journey
If you lost everything tomorrow, whose arms would you turn to? In this case, Gladis Vergara firmly knows it is her family who she can turn to for anything, such as full support. They have been there for her since day one. I asked her if she would be eager to die for them; she quickly answered, “Yes.” The sincerity in the response caused me to dig deeper into her way of thinking. She knows the importance of family that she is compared to the goddess of wisdom, Athena, she spreads her years of understanding about family towards strangers unconsciously. Even I was a stranger at some point and yet she has me considering my choices in life. I have spent plenty of time with Gladis, my best friend’s mother, that I could consider her my second mother. Though you can never replace a mother because every one of them are different and significant in their own marvelous way.
Gladis’ amiable heart was planted into a family of eight on December 21, 1978. Being the third youngest, she has contributed to her family when in need. Never refusing them, she has always shown that she was generous. She displayed a kind heart by comforting people and helping with their problems. She grew up wealthy in a compacted, comfy town, which commuting from place to place was fairly easy; because of the closeness of the area. From time to time she took care of the vegetable picking in her family’s farm and gave them as gifts to her neighbors. The community was closer than ever, everyone knew one another. With every step she took growing up, she walked into happiness, always overcoming any obstacles she faced. She only finished half of high school but school was never a problem for her, because she knew she could continue when ever when she wanted. She was always reminded by her parents to have a positive outlook on life. It is because open doors were ready to embrace her with opportunities to choose from.
Initially, Gladis’ time to migrate North, took root. Thus, she faced a flight with no obstacles but anxiousness. She trembled with worry, “Oh dios por favor, cuidar de nosotros y mi familia en Jalisco.” Although she was full of smiles during her flight, because her plane was stuffed with Hispanic people, ones she can grow a connection with.
Furthermore, Gladis explained me a story about a girl, Angelina about her age, who she had met during the trip. Her eyes looked like the stars of the galaxy throughout the whole talk, she stated they met during a time of hesitation.
From then on, they became close, they talked about their life back in Mexico, why they were migrating, and most importantly, how their U.S. experience would be like. Meeting each other’s parents was not back-breaking, because both were undergoing the same reasons for leaving. Both families Angelina’s and Gladis were scarce of luxurious items, such as perfumes, the internet, and advanced technology. By the time they landed, Gladis said goodbye to Angelina and her family. Emotionally unstable, she excitedly stepped into the U.S. for the first time. Although, in the end of her journey she hurt her foot by twisting her ankle.
It took Gladis forever to adjust to the U.S. because of her dying embarrassment of twisting an ankle. Meanwhile, she enjoyed her stay in America because of the loving family who was there for her in her most desperate times. Adapting to the leisurely life of being a housewife was not at all hard for her, because back in Mexico her parents farmed and she would assist every so often. Owning an own home and starting a stable family that will have a substantial future was one of her dreams that came true. Another thing she was looking for in the U.S. was a better future as she declared, “the living conditions over there, you could have more things here and more opportunities.”
Think about it, you’re killing your parents just having them overextend themselves for you. Even supposing Gladis sacrifices herself and her time for her children. She is one of the two parents who goes out and buys what she can for them. She chooses her children over money even if she is in need of it. She goes from left to right, tiring and over extending herself just to be there for her four children who are still young and growing up before her. She also provides her children the freedom that they need even if it jeopardizes her trust because sometimes children can take advantage of it. It hurts her because it is tough in general for all parents seeing their children grow up. Not long ago, her eldest child (my best friend) snuck out of the house at midnight to McDonald’s because she did not want to drive him there. The same day, they got into an argument resulting him leaving a hole in a wall. He left her sweating bullets if he had always snuck out just without her knowing. Days shot ahead of her while she reflected and thought what action would be best to take. Weeks with little communication, finally, they had a formal discussion, she had chose it would be best for him to have a curfew. Being as lenient as possible he agreed but only on weekdays. This has taught me that pride could be put aside while in important situations and still go right.
Gladis has been there for me, going out of her way in many situations. She has a powerful belief that children should always come first because they have not lived life to the fullest just yet. For example, if a one was about to get rammed into by a car she would spare their life and let herself die instead. At some points in time I think she would die for me or adopt me because she treats me like one of her dearly children. She conveyed a lecture to me about how all children should be able to have access to essential things such as school supplies and clothes. She also has granted me stuff like school supplies or meals. One time I was in need of a three inch binder for my AP class. My parents could not provide it for me because they did not have the time or money to bring me to the store. She being the guardian for me at the time, brought me to Target to pick out a binder. Come to think of it, that day was already busy for her, because she had school. However, she still made time for me, knowing she had more important things that had to be done. In fact, we have had many applicable discussions that she has educated and given me so much about life. I will give Gladis the respect she deserves because she is charming to anyone she encounters. After days of writing about Gladis I found out that learning a part of another person’s life makes you appreciate your own life and personal belongings a million times more. My explanation for this is, there is this big part of motivation after knowing what a person goes through, because hundreds and thousands of people would kill to have the possibilities I am granted. Because according to a Mercy Corps website,https://www.mercycorps.org/articles/quick-facts-what-you-need-know-about-global-hunger, “One in every eight people goes to bed hungry each night. Around the world, 842 million people do not have enough of the food they need to live an active, healthy life.” This quote proves that I should acknowledge my own-being as well because I am able to lead an active, healthy life. Wholly, I am relieved to have met a remarkable young woman who is the mother of my best friend because I wonder, “What kind of mother would he have if not Gladis?”
Ms. Ha
Puente English 2, Period 6
14 October 2016
Gladis’ Journey
If you lost everything tomorrow, whose arms would you turn to? In this case, Gladis Vergara firmly knows it is her family who she can turn to for anything, such as full support. They have been there for her since day one. I asked her if she would be eager to die for them; she quickly answered, “Yes.” The sincerity in the response caused me to dig deeper into her way of thinking. She knows the importance of family that she is compared to the goddess of wisdom, Athena, she spreads her years of understanding about family towards strangers unconsciously. Even I was a stranger at some point and yet she has me considering my choices in life. I have spent plenty of time with Gladis, my best friend’s mother, that I could consider her my second mother. Though you can never replace a mother because every one of them are different and significant in their own marvelous way.
Gladis’ amiable heart was planted into a family of eight on December 21, 1978. Being the third youngest, she has contributed to her family when in need. Never refusing them, she has always shown that she was generous. She displayed a kind heart by comforting people and helping with their problems. She grew up wealthy in a compacted, comfy town, which commuting from place to place was fairly easy; because of the closeness of the area. From time to time she took care of the vegetable picking in her family’s farm and gave them as gifts to her neighbors. The community was closer than ever, everyone knew one another. With every step she took growing up, she walked into happiness, always overcoming any obstacles she faced. She only finished half of high school but school was never a problem for her, because she knew she could continue when ever when she wanted. She was always reminded by her parents to have a positive outlook on life. It is because open doors were ready to embrace her with opportunities to choose from.
Initially, Gladis’ time to migrate North, took root. Thus, she faced a flight with no obstacles but anxiousness. She trembled with worry, “Oh dios por favor, cuidar de nosotros y mi familia en Jalisco.” Although she was full of smiles during her flight, because her plane was stuffed with Hispanic people, ones she can grow a connection with.
Furthermore, Gladis explained me a story about a girl, Angelina about her age, who she had met during the trip. Her eyes looked like the stars of the galaxy throughout the whole talk, she stated they met during a time of hesitation.
From then on, they became close, they talked about their life back in Mexico, why they were migrating, and most importantly, how their U.S. experience would be like. Meeting each other’s parents was not back-breaking, because both were undergoing the same reasons for leaving. Both families Angelina’s and Gladis were scarce of luxurious items, such as perfumes, the internet, and advanced technology. By the time they landed, Gladis said goodbye to Angelina and her family. Emotionally unstable, she excitedly stepped into the U.S. for the first time. Although, in the end of her journey she hurt her foot by twisting her ankle.
It took Gladis forever to adjust to the U.S. because of her dying embarrassment of twisting an ankle. Meanwhile, she enjoyed her stay in America because of the loving family who was there for her in her most desperate times. Adapting to the leisurely life of being a housewife was not at all hard for her, because back in Mexico her parents farmed and she would assist every so often. Owning an own home and starting a stable family that will have a substantial future was one of her dreams that came true. Another thing she was looking for in the U.S. was a better future as she declared, “the living conditions over there, you could have more things here and more opportunities.”
Think about it, you’re killing your parents just having them overextend themselves for you. Even supposing Gladis sacrifices herself and her time for her children. She is one of the two parents who goes out and buys what she can for them. She chooses her children over money even if she is in need of it. She goes from left to right, tiring and over extending herself just to be there for her four children who are still young and growing up before her. She also provides her children the freedom that they need even if it jeopardizes her trust because sometimes children can take advantage of it. It hurts her because it is tough in general for all parents seeing their children grow up. Not long ago, her eldest child (my best friend) snuck out of the house at midnight to McDonald’s because she did not want to drive him there. The same day, they got into an argument resulting him leaving a hole in a wall. He left her sweating bullets if he had always snuck out just without her knowing. Days shot ahead of her while she reflected and thought what action would be best to take. Weeks with little communication, finally, they had a formal discussion, she had chose it would be best for him to have a curfew. Being as lenient as possible he agreed but only on weekdays. This has taught me that pride could be put aside while in important situations and still go right.
Gladis has been there for me, going out of her way in many situations. She has a powerful belief that children should always come first because they have not lived life to the fullest just yet. For example, if a one was about to get rammed into by a car she would spare their life and let herself die instead. At some points in time I think she would die for me or adopt me because she treats me like one of her dearly children. She conveyed a lecture to me about how all children should be able to have access to essential things such as school supplies and clothes. She also has granted me stuff like school supplies or meals. One time I was in need of a three inch binder for my AP class. My parents could not provide it for me because they did not have the time or money to bring me to the store. She being the guardian for me at the time, brought me to Target to pick out a binder. Come to think of it, that day was already busy for her, because she had school. However, she still made time for me, knowing she had more important things that had to be done. In fact, we have had many applicable discussions that she has educated and given me so much about life. I will give Gladis the respect she deserves because she is charming to anyone she encounters. After days of writing about Gladis I found out that learning a part of another person’s life makes you appreciate your own life and personal belongings a million times more. My explanation for this is, there is this big part of motivation after knowing what a person goes through, because hundreds and thousands of people would kill to have the possibilities I am granted. Because according to a Mercy Corps website,https://www.mercycorps.org/articles/quick-facts-what-you-need-know-about-global-hunger, “One in every eight people goes to bed hungry each night. Around the world, 842 million people do not have enough of the food they need to live an active, healthy life.” This quote proves that I should acknowledge my own-being as well because I am able to lead an active, healthy life. Wholly, I am relieved to have met a remarkable young woman who is the mother of my best friend because I wonder, “What kind of mother would he have if not Gladis?”