Trying To Change Their Lives...

My parents came to the United States from Guatemala over 20-years ago. My grandparents came just before them, with no papers, no money and just faith in their hearts.

Their reason for leaving Guatemala was simple, they wanted to give their children a better life. Me and my sisters were fortunate to be born here. We never experienced any hardships while applying for schools nor were we ever told what we can and cant do because of our immigration status. Not all kids are this lucky today.

Fast forward to 27-years later, I am the youngest of 4 and a college graduate. I went to school to be an artist. It was my dream to see my paintings up on someone's wall. That dream has never faded, it was just pushed to the side when I realized how much of a difference I can make if I work with children. Children have brought so much joy to my short life. I like to believe I am still a child at heart. I went from school to school teaching Art to children, working in community centers helping kids express themselves and then COVID hit. Schools were closed and everything changed.

A lot changed in the last two years. So many people lost their jobs, the rent has gone up and now more than ever the number of illegal immigrants has shot up. Today I am a TA in the Bronx. I no longer teach Art, now I spend my time teaching children from different countries who have crossed the borders in search for a better life. Yup, that's correct. I teach immigrant children. Every single day we receive multiple children who were either dropped off at the border by their parents or crossed in search of a safer life with more opportunities. I hear so many stories about how these children ran from a life they no longer wanted to live. So many escaped a dangerous situation, risked their life crossing rivers and walking through deserts to come life in the "best country in the world". Is it really?

Every single day these kids are told they can't do certain things. They have no choice on what they can eat or what they can do. Many come here not knowing any English. A lot of the kids that come through here spend 6 or 7 months waiting for a sponsor, wishing they could be reunited with their parents who crossed with them but are told that is not possible because just like they their parents are not in this country legally.

When people don't understand the issues going on in these countries it comes easy to say "they don't belong here". How can you look at a child who has walked for 4 days with a group of people who they don't know, behind men who they are now in debt to and tell them that they do not belong here. So many of these children escape poverty, abuse, hunger and danger to come to the United States to help the people they left behind. These are 10 to 17 year-old children who have taken it upon themselves to help their family. Now in my opinion, many American kids would not do that much for their families. So for someone to say they are not welcome here is just disturbing.

Its a controversial topic, I am aware but any child who walks through a river that reaches their neck, who walks day and night through the desert with their younger siblings in their arms, who comes to the States to make a better life for their parents who are sick back in their home country should have a fucking red carpet set out for them!

When the children reach us they know little to nothing, when they leave they can introduce themselves in English. They can find their way around reading the signs. They are able to count and spell and write. That itself is the biggest reward. It makes the countless hours sitting behind a computer grading assessments, countless calls to foster parents and all the tears I have shed in the bathroom after a child has trusted me to share their experience while traveling here WORTH IT.

To the immigrant children, know there are safe spaces for you. Know that there are people who will welcome you and who will help you. Know that teachers who listen care and fight for you every single day.

To the Artist in me lets continue to paint the world bright and warm!