I was born in Ventura CA in 2001. I grew up in Santa Paula in a small house that had a kitchen downstairs and a bathroom and bedroom upstairs. Across the street from us lived my step dad. Back then my mom had met him and they started going out. Since my mom and him were together, he was always around. I was around the age of two when I had met Ralph or Monkey, as I call him. I’m not sure where I came up with the name monkey. I think it’s because he had a hairy beard or maybe it was the way he smelled. Fact is, he has taught me so many things and practically was my father figure because my father was not in my life at the time.
It was like living in two different worlds. I had to adapt to two different cuItures and languages. I had the world at my mom’s where I got up everyday for school to come back home and see my “dad” and adapt to the American culture. And the other was at my father’s house, who spoke to me in Spanish. My mother had me at the age of 21. She raised me and attended school at the same time. Til this day, I am still amazed how she managed to succeed in school while she had me. My father didn’t attend college but I’m still proud of how hard he works to provide for his family. Each one of my parents have different lifestyles. At my mom’s, I have my own room and a place to study and do homework. And at my dad’s, I share a bedroom with my half sister. I go from doing things as a part of a group or “family” when I’m at my father’s house. However, when I’m at my mother’s house, it’s just her and I. This can be difficult at times, but in the end, I am grateful that I can communicate in two languages and be familiar with different types of cultures. But most importantly, it has made me able to do things independently and realize how proud I am to come from such a strong family.
My mom and I are not the only ones who have moved on since living in Santa Paula. Monkey has also moved on to a different location as well. In 2008, we moved to Ventura and he moved to LA. That was the time I started going to Loma Vista Elementary School that was right across the street from us. I was sad because I no longer had the opportunity to see Monkey at home after school to ask me how my day was. Or to ask me if I wanted to go eat somewhere or go to the park. But I did visit LA time to time so I could see him. But there was a part of me that wanted him in Ventura so that I could easily go over to his house and spend time with him. Ever since I’ve lived in Ventura my life has changed. I’ve learned that the people we love aren’t always going to stay so close to us and that we don’t know what we have until we lose it.
Monkey was born in Mexico and his mother gave birth to him at home. When he was just a few months old, he was very sick because he had kidneys that were not in good shape. His mother went to see different doctors to seek help. However, each doctor told her she had no luck and that he was going to die. And she wouldn’t be able to afford the medication anyways because she was too poor. Until one day when she came across this doctor that was willing to help and look a little deeper. He gave her medication that could treat his illness. Soon after, he got better and started showing signs of improvement. His mother was so determined to keep her child alive. She never once gave up on him after having been turned down by so many doctors that doubted her child would survive. After hearing this story, I’ve realized how precious life is and how our time here on Earth is limited.
Overall, Monkey has been a big part of my life. He has always been there for me during rough times and has taught me so much. Not only did he potty train me, but he also taught me to have self respect, not to be selfish, remain strong and to respect my mother. He has taught me to stay strong during times when I want to give up and to think my way around things. With my mom’s educational background, my father’s work ethic and the support from Monkey, has transformed me into the person I am today. My mom reminds me that school is important and that it is attainable but just requires effort. And my father reminds me that through hard work, anything is achievable. Even though transitioning from one house to another can be difficult, it has led me to become stronger.
It was like living in two different worlds. I had to adapt to two different cuItures and languages. I had the world at my mom’s where I got up everyday for school to come back home and see my “dad” and adapt to the American culture. And the other was at my father’s house, who spoke to me in Spanish. My mother had me at the age of 21. She raised me and attended school at the same time. Til this day, I am still amazed how she managed to succeed in school while she had me. My father didn’t attend college but I’m still proud of how hard he works to provide for his family. Each one of my parents have different lifestyles. At my mom’s, I have my own room and a place to study and do homework. And at my dad’s, I share a bedroom with my half sister. I go from doing things as a part of a group or “family” when I’m at my father’s house. However, when I’m at my mother’s house, it’s just her and I. This can be difficult at times, but in the end, I am grateful that I can communicate in two languages and be familiar with different types of cultures. But most importantly, it has made me able to do things independently and realize how proud I am to come from such a strong family.
My mom and I are not the only ones who have moved on since living in Santa Paula. Monkey has also moved on to a different location as well. In 2008, we moved to Ventura and he moved to LA. That was the time I started going to Loma Vista Elementary School that was right across the street from us. I was sad because I no longer had the opportunity to see Monkey at home after school to ask me how my day was. Or to ask me if I wanted to go eat somewhere or go to the park. But I did visit LA time to time so I could see him. But there was a part of me that wanted him in Ventura so that I could easily go over to his house and spend time with him. Ever since I’ve lived in Ventura my life has changed. I’ve learned that the people we love aren’t always going to stay so close to us and that we don’t know what we have until we lose it.
Monkey was born in Mexico and his mother gave birth to him at home. When he was just a few months old, he was very sick because he had kidneys that were not in good shape. His mother went to see different doctors to seek help. However, each doctor told her she had no luck and that he was going to die. And she wouldn’t be able to afford the medication anyways because she was too poor. Until one day when she came across this doctor that was willing to help and look a little deeper. He gave her medication that could treat his illness. Soon after, he got better and started showing signs of improvement. His mother was so determined to keep her child alive. She never once gave up on him after having been turned down by so many doctors that doubted her child would survive. After hearing this story, I’ve realized how precious life is and how our time here on Earth is limited.
Overall, Monkey has been a big part of my life. He has always been there for me during rough times and has taught me so much. Not only did he potty train me, but he also taught me to have self respect, not to be selfish, remain strong and to respect my mother. He has taught me to stay strong during times when I want to give up and to think my way around things. With my mom’s educational background, my father’s work ethic and the support from Monkey, has transformed me into the person I am today. My mom reminds me that school is important and that it is attainable but just requires effort. And my father reminds me that through hard work, anything is achievable. Even though transitioning from one house to another can be difficult, it has led me to become stronger.