1. My Hero
I am grateful for my Dad. When he was seventeen years old,
he wanted a better future for himself and his future family. So, not knowing
any English or having any kind of education, he crossed the border from Mexico
into the United States. He was able to get a worker’s visa and a job as a cook
in a small restaurant. He would travel back and forth between the two countries
to keep in contact with his family. When he was twenty-two years old, he fell
in love with my mom and my oldest sister was born in Mexico. After my sister
turned one my dad decided to bring my mother and sister to America and live
there full time. They lived in Idaho for a year and then had my second sister.
Another year went by and I was also born in Idaho. Six months after I was born
my father was offered a work opportunity in Arizona. We moved to Arizona and my
dad began his new job in welding. The owner of the company was a good man and
even though my father did not speak or understand English at this time he saw
the hard worker my dad was and helped him renew his work visa. Another year later
my little sister was born. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment. My dad was
making minimum wage while my mom took care of us at home. I couldn't tell we
were poor as kids, we were always fed, bathed, clothed, and cared for. Five
years after living in the US working 12-hour days Monday thru Friday, my dad
had saved enough money to buy a house. We moved into a four-bedroom
two-bathroom house. A year later my mom and dad had one more baby girl. If you
lost count that is five girls total (Yes, they were trying for a boy. No, it
never happened). Ten years later, my parents a completely debt-free. Their
house and vehicles are completely paid off. My dad is now 53 years old, and he
still works for the same company 12 hours days Monday thru Friday and sometimes
Saturday. I am now 24 years old, and I could never imagine doing what my dad
did at seventeen. My goal after college is to be able to give back to my mom
and dad. They deserve a good retirement.
2. Invest Wisely
I would tell my 23 years old self , "You don't need a brand new car from the dealership. Keep your 2011 Nissan Sentra and invest into your first home instead". I needed this advice because I had money saved and didn't know what to do with it. So I spent it all on a brand new smart car. Although I love my car and it's paid off now. I think I should have just saved my money and bought a home instead.
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