When Connie’s family came from Mexico to the U.S. in 1972, her mother, Blanca Alvarez, was pregnant with Connie.
Even after Connie was born, her family’s first years in America weren’t easy. Sometimes they didn’t have anything to eat. Sometimes they had to take any job they could to get by. Sometimes Blanca had to take the kids to work with her or make due with bean tacos when there was nothing else to eat.
It’s a tale I’m sure many immigrants can relate to. And as our national conversation about immigrants continues, stories like Blanca and Connie’s can make all the difference in helping us grow empathy.
Like most working parents, Blanca says she regrets not dedicating more time to her daughter.
The curious thing is that what Blanca thought would make Connie feel resentful or neglected is actually what motivated her daughter to push forward.
“For me, watching you go to school with two kids and trying to make ends meet — that was the biggest inspiration for me to finish college,” Connie says.
