Stefania

I have lived in North Chicago for two months and three days. I came from Michoacan, Mexico to reunite with my mother and have and build a better future for my son. The situation where we lived had become impossible and I feared for my safety.

How long had your you and your mother been apart?

Twenty-one years. It was not easy, there were many ups and downs. There were many times that I thought my mother had built her life in the United States and I had my life in Mexico, and we might never be with each other again. But there were times where I really felt that I needed her and that I wanted to be close to her. Having my son motivated me to make the move. It’s been difficult. It’s complicated, and we are so different and are learning so much from each other.

No doubt, there will many lessons along the way. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

To take advantage of all the opportunities that come to you. 

Is there an opportunity you passed on that you now regret?

The simple fact that mother told me when I was younger to come live here, and I didn’t listen.

Your future is now filled with a lot of uncertainty, but also promise. What is it you hope for most?

To see my son grow in a stable home. In Mexico, I had a dream of having my own beauty salon.

You don’t have that dream now?

It’s a second priority. Opening a salon is expensive. My son has to be first priority; making sure that he’s in a stable home.

Other than your son, what are you most proud of?

I feel proud just being able to make it here. I miss my family, and I love my country, but I believe there’s a better life for us here. Better economic possibilities, but most of all, a better education for my son.

What do you wish that people understood about people who leave their homes and the life they know to emigrate to the United States?

I would hope that people would practice empathy, and put themselves in others’ shoes. When I made it here, there were a lot of people in Mexico who said it was selfish of me to emigrate, but they don’t know or understand the all of reasons we had to leave.

What three words would your mother use to describe you?

Brave, humble, and lovely.

Which of those three do you most identify with?

Brave.

This conversation has been edited and condensed.