Once upon a time, in the lively streets of Mexico, I found myself deep in thought about my future. As a third-grade student at SEC 78, my mind was full of dreams and hopes, which I shared with my family.

"I want to be a doctor," I bravely declared, my words carrying the weight of my ambitions.

As I pondered my options, I grappled with the idea of pursuing my dreams in the United States, where opportunities seemed plentiful. However, the idea of leaving my family and friends behind in Mexico saddened me. Despite the promise of a brighter future, the challenges of life in Mexico—like money problems, limited healthcare, and safety worries—made me hesitate.

But with the unwavering support of my family, I decided to pursue my dreams. The thought of studying in the United States, where education and help were abundant, filled me with hope.

Before leaving, I thought about my family's past. My parents had moved to the United States years before I was born, hoping for better opportunities. Despite facing many challenges, they worked hard to give us a better life. After three important years in the U.S., we returned to Mexico.

In Mexico, our family moved around a lot: Jalisco, Talpa de Allende, and Puerto Vallarta. Each move brought new experiences, but our bond remained strong. Some family members decided to move to the U.S., while others stayed in Mexico.

With encouragement from my parents, I decided to join my siblings in the United States. Even though I was nervous about leaving, I felt comforted by my family's support.

As I said goodbye to my loved ones and boarded the plane to Seattle, I felt a mix of emotions. I was excited about the possibilities ahead but sad to leave my home behind.

When I arrived in the United States, I was amazed by the new sights and sounds. However, making new friends and adjusting to life in a new country were challenging.

Living with my siblings in Seattle was different from living with my parents in Mexico. It took time to get used to the change, but I found comfort in being with my family.

Over time, I grew accustomed to my new surroundings. Seattle became my new home, and I began to feel like I belonged.

Though I missed my family and friends in Mexico, I focused on my studies and worked hard to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor.

Looking back on my journey, I realize the sacrifices we made were worth it. While the road ahead may be tough, I'm determined to keep pushing forward. With the love and support of my family, I know I can achieve anything. And so, I embrace the future with hope and determination, ready to chase my dreams wherever they may lead.

© Alonzo Manuel. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.